The car park will be closed from 30 September to make way for the construction of the new Central Ipswich Free School.
Why it matters: The closure will result in 52 fewer parking spaces in the town centre but will allow the demolition of the former Co-op department store on Carr Street and the construction of a new primary school to begin in October.
The car park is located immediately behind the old Co-op buildingOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk
The big picture:
The Department for Education has requested that the entire car park be used as a contractor's compound and safety area for the demolition.
Ipswich Borough Council will lease the site to the DfE for an initial 2-year term from 1 October 2024.
The council says rental income will compensate for lost parking revenue.
Plans were delayed due to concerns about preserving a historical mural but new plans approved in May 2024 will allow the mural to remain in placeOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk
The bottom line: Construction is set to begin in October. While the car park closure may inconvenience some and reduce town centre parking, it paves the way for a much-needed new school in central Ipswich.
The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce's latest economic survey shows widespread pessimism and decline among local businesses, with more than 80% expressing concerns about tax levels.
A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.
The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:
Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry
A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue
Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke
What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.
“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.
“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.
“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”
How to help:
Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25
Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1
Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org
The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.
Friends of William 'Billy' McNicholl have launched a fundraising campaign to help give the 63-year-old Chantry resident the "dignity in his send off that he did not get in his passing."
