Ipswich Upper Orwell Street North car park shuts for two years as demolition work on former Co-Op superstore in Carr Street looms

A car park in Ipswich town centre has shut for up to two years as work to build a new school looms.

Last week, Ipswich Borough Council warned the 52 spaces at Upper Orwell Street North car park would be unavailable from 2pm today.

While it is closed, workers will begin demolishing the old Co-Op superstore to the north of the site to make way for a new 420-place primary school.

According to planning documents, work to knock down a canopy at the back of the site must happen before October 21 – which would mark three years since the school was given the green light.

It is expected to reopen by September 2026.

A spokesperson for the borough council said: “The car park will remain closed for a period of two years due to works taking place to develop the former Co-op building in Upper Orwell Street.

“Once works to the building have been completed, the car park will return for use as a car park.

“Alternative nearby parking is available at Upper Orwell Street South, Bond Street or Regent car parks.”

The Co-op department store was built in 1907 and shut in 2010. It was a charity shop until 2018 when it was bought by IBC.

In July last year, SuffolkNews reported that works needed to be conducted at the site.

The plans took another step forward earlier this year, when it was revealed a grade II-listed mural at the back of the building, could remain once the building is gone.

The mural was designed by Gyula Bajó and Endre Hevezi and installed between 1963 and 1964.

Under the plans approved three years ago, IBC stressed the mural should be rehomed.

Asbestos was also discovered in the fittings and would need to be removed before the building can be knocked down.

It was originally hoped the building’s facades would be preserved, but this proved too expensive and could have led to an additional £3 million in costs.

The school will be run by Active Learning Trust and cater for 420 primary pupils and 26 nursery children.

It was planned that the school would open in 2025.