Skip to main contentEnter
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

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

Martlesham Primary Academy completes £750K makeover

News
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

The school has unveiled new classrooms and facilities following a major redevelopment project funded by Suffolk County Council.

Why it matters: The £750K investment transforms key areas of the school, enhancing the learning environment for pupils with modern, inclusive spaces.

Cathie Paine and Emma Churchman cutting the ribbon at the opening of Martlesham Primary
Cathie Paine and Emma Churchman cutting the ribbon at the opening of Martlesham PrimaryREAch2 Academy Trust

The details: The redevelopment includes:

  • A new classroom block featuring a Year 6 classroom

  • New cloakroom and toilet facilities

  • A dedicated SEN classroom

  • Upgraded girls' and boys' toilets

  • Improved drainage systems under the new building

The project was made possible through collaboration between REAch2 Academy Trust, Suffolk County Council, Concertus, and Seamans Building.

What they're saying: "This project marks a huge milestone for Martlesham Primary Academy, ensuring we can provide the very best facilities for our children," said Emma Churchman, Headteacher.

"Martlesham Primary may be a small school, but we are a vibrant place buzzing with positivity and possibility - our new learning spaces are already making a real difference to both the children and staff," she added.

Cathie Paine, CEO of REAch2 Academy Trust, who formally opened the new classroom block, said: "We are thrilled to see this investment come to life. This is a great example of how strong partnerships can deliver real benefits for schools and their communities."

By the numbers: The facilities were officially handed over during October half-term, with contractors managing to complete the work with minimal disruption despite working on an active school site.

The bottom line: The newly refurbished spaces provide a more modern, inclusive, and inspiring environment for pupils, with school leadership reporting positive responses from both children and staff.

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

St Stephens Church, The Baths and The Smokehouse in Ipswich

Today's supporter

Brighten the Corners

Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.

View upcomnig gigs

Suffolk to roll out 6,000 EV chargepoints from Summer 2025

News
Brighten the Corners logomark

Brighten the Corners

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council has partnered with operator Believ to deliver around 6,000 new public electric vehicle chargepoints across the county, starting next summer.

Why it matters: 25% of Suffolk households don't have a driveway and park on their street, creating a significant barrier for residents considering electric vehicle ownership.

The big picture: The rollout aims to provide residents without driveways access to a public chargepoint within a 5-10 minute walk.

Matthew Ling and Amy Rushton of Suffolk County Council, Charlie Allen and Steve Beer of Believ
Matthew Ling and Amy Rushton of Suffolk County Council, Charlie Allen and Steve Beer of BelievBeliev

By the numbers:

  • £5.3 million secured from the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund

  • An additional £16 million provided by operator Believ

  • Nearly 140,000 tons of emissions forecast to be removed by late 2026

The details: The majority of new units will be bollard-style chargers at the kerbside, suitable for long-stay or overnight charging. Drivers will benefit from an overnight off-peak tariff and a dedicated resident's tariff with discounted charging at all times.

Public car parks will also see rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoint installations for quicker charging options.

What they're saying: "We are providing a solution by installing chargepoints on their street, or very nearby. Our ambition is to provide them with a public chargepoint within a 5-10 minute walk or wheel," said Councillor Philip Fairclough-Mutton, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, said: "We're delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to rollout such a significant number of chargepoints across Suffolk. It will make a real difference to local EV drivers and give others the confidence to go electric, helping to support our mission to deliver cleaner air for all."

What's next: In advance of all on-street chargepoint installations, local residents will receive letters with details of the work due to take place, including information on timescales.

The bottom line: Suffolk County Council is the first local authority in England to both award their LEVI main funding tender and subsequently sign a contract with an operator, allowing installations to begin at pace to help meet the county's target of 5,400 public chargepoints by 2030.

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

Load next article