4 College Street from Bob Kindred MBE IHBC, (Ipswich Borough Conservation Officer 1981-2012)

My congratulations to the Ipswich Society for their annual organisation and promotion of yet another two excellent Heritage Open Days. 

I was particularly pleased to see No. 4 College Street on the front cover of the promotional booklet covering the buildings open to the public on the 10th and 11th of September.

The short explanation on page 19 did not delve into the recent history, but readers may be interested to know that No.4 College Street first became vacant in 1981 and by that time was already in quite poor condition.

When Ipswich piloted (with English Heritage) the first national local authority computerised buildings-at-risk register in 1984, this building was one of the first properties to be included. At one stage the Ipswich register contained 44 entries but assiduous work by the Council reduced these by over 90% over the subsequent 25+ years.

Unfortunately a renovation solution for this building proved intractable and in the intervening period, a break-in at the rear and the action of squatters resulted in arson significantly damaging the interior, but persistent encouragement to keep the building weathertight ensured its survival until a repair solution was found.

Therefore, four decades on, I’m delighted that the Council acquired and repaired the building and it once again contributes positively to the townscape of central Ipswich.

Buildings-at-risk cases are rarely easily or quickly solved and sometimes it can take decades for them to be returned to good condition and a beneficial use. It is to be hoped that an appropriate solution will be found soon for Nos.1-5 College Street (also still at-risk).

Thanks to Bob Kindred for opening the door for us to look at this building. No. 4 College Street, otherwise known as ‘the Benet Aldred house’ is a small, long-neglected merchant’s house standing on the opposite side of College Street from St Peter’s on the Waterfront. 

We are grateful to Nicholas Jacob Architecture for these photographs (supplied to us via the good offices of Ipswich Borough Council) which document the process of the conservation of the building. This September’s Heritage Open Days provided what may be the only opportunity for the public to see inside the building before it is occupied as commercial premises. The queues outside certainly kept the Ipswich Society volunteers on their toes all weekend, particularly because of the need to limit numbers to these small internal spaces.

Roofing works on gable and dormer window.

“I think College Street was the hit of the weekend.

I spent some time there yesterday afternoon [Sunday 11th] chatting to visitors. They were all keen to see inside. About four o’clock, I started to try and discourage people from joining the queue. Failed miserably, as every new person who turned up I allowed to join and said, ‘it’ll be fine’.

Last to arrive were two very pleasant young girls, I’d guess late teens. I asked if they’d been anywhere else. The list comprised pretty much everywhere in the town centre over the weekend. Nice to see youngsters enjoying the event as much as us more mature old codgers.”

Neil Thompson (Ipswich Society organiser of Heritage Open Days)

We will have a full account of Ipswich Heritage Open Days 2022 in the January 2023 issue of our Newsletter. Visitor numbers were pleasingly high and we can celebrate a great success.

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