Ipswich Arts Centre hits a new milestone

The Ipswich Society has donated £500 to help bring the proposed Ipswich Arts Centre to life. Thanks to this support from the Society and other supporters, the centre is building its budget to begin the revamp of St Clement Church on Star Lane - the centre's future home.

In the wake of its recent bid to win funding from Aviva, more and more people are getting involved, spreading the word and donating. Celebrity, Bill Nighy, even got involved in the campaign's publicity.

Although the project did not win the top prize of £25,000, Aviva awarded a finalist's grant of £500. However, widespread interest in the project continues to rise.

A design proposal by EDRM for the new Ipswich Arts Centre in St Clement Church.

Early construction work to begin

The next major milestone for the project is the start of initial construction work to turn the disused church into a pop-up events venue.

Simon Hallsworth, University of Suffolk professor and a driving force behind the centre, commented: ‘In an important step forward, this summer we will be working with Suffolk New College on early building works. Students will be laying temporary floor boards, so we can get the centre open for small events. We will then move on to the next fund-raising phase to finance the full renovation of St Clement's.'

Become an Ipswich Arts Centre ‘Board member'

The Ipswich Arts Centre is asking supporters to add to the funds for early building work. In return they will enjoy the benefits of being an arts centre ‘Board member'.

More information will be released in March, but to stay up to date, visit: ipswichartscentre.co.uk.

Or follow activity on Twitter: @ipsartcentre,

and on Facebook: facebook.com/ipswichartcentre.

If you have a question about the project, contact: ipswichartscentre@gmail.com.