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How former office site is being repurposed for 150 new homes in Ipswich

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The first 10 council homes have been completed at Bibb Way, where a mix of office conversion and new builds will provide 150 homes by spring 2025.

Why it matters: The redevelopment brings much-needed housing to Ipswich by transforming the prominent former BT site into residential properties.

Cllr Alisdair Ross and Colin Kreidewolf at Bibb Way
Cllr Alisdair Ross and Colin Kreidewolf at Bibb WayIpswich Borough Council

The details: The initial phase consists of four two-bedroom and six three-bedroom houses now available for families to rent.

The complete development will feature:

  • 78 one and two-bedroom flats converted from the former office block

  • 72 newly built homes on land previously used as a car park and data centre

  • Improved green spaces connecting to Alderman Canal and Alderman Road Recreation Ground

What they're saying: "We're pleased to see these homes handed over to the Council and ready for tenants to move into. It's fantastic to see this prominent, former BT site transformed into a new development, providing much needed homes to the local area," said Councillor Alasdair Ross, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Ipswich Borough Council.

"It's fantastic to see improvements to this area, as along with the new, high-quality homes, the green space surrounding the development to Alderman Canal and Alderman Road Recreation Ground has been improved, providing a welcoming environment for residents and the community to enjoy," said Colin Kreidewolf, Chair of Handford Homes.

By the numbers:

  • 10 homes completed in first phase

  • 150 total homes planned

  • Completion expected by late spring 2025

The bottom line: The Bibb Way development will significantly increase the council housing stock in Ipswich while simultaneously revitalising a former commercial site and enhancing surrounding green spaces for community use.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

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Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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