A former swimming pool in Ipswich, Suffolk, will be turned into a permanent creative and cultural workspace following a £1.92 million investment. The money comes from the government’s Towns Fund and was announced by the Ipswich Borough Council to help grow the town centre’s economy.
The project focuses on St Matthew’s Baths Hall, a local landmark on Civic Drive known as The Baths. It is being managed by a music and culture organisation called Brighten The Corners, which plans to create a new space for artists and digital businesses.
Once the work is finished, the building will house a creative digital skills lab and studios for small businesses. According to the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, this change is expected to bring more people into the town centre and create new local jobs.
The Baths has a long history in the community, serving as a public pool before hosting famous music acts like Led Zeppelin in the 1970s. The new project aims to keep creative talent in the area by providing professional facilities that were previously unavailable.
Building work is expected to start in the spring of 2026. The new hub is currently planned to open its doors to the public and local businesses in the spring of 2027.
