Our historic Ipswich Market is getting ready for an exciting move! As part of wider plans to support the town centre’s growth and revitalise our beloved public spaces, Ipswich Borough Council is proposing to relocate the market stalls to the northern side of the Cornhill.
We are always keen to see how our town can evolve to benefit residents, local businesses, and visitors, and this proposed layout looks set to bring a brilliant boost to our community.
What’s happening to the Ipswich Market?
Under the new proposals, traders would set up shop on the northern side of the Cornhill, directly facing Westgate Street. This fresh layout isn’t just about a change of scenery; it will offer plenty of space for delivery vehicles to safely access the area before 10.30am on market days, and open up wonderful opportunities to welcome even more stalls in the future.
Crucially, this move paves the way for the next phase of public realm improvements along Lloyds Avenue. This exciting scheme—part of the £25 million Towns Fund programme—will deliver wider footways, beautiful new planting and landscaping, and much-needed enhancements beneath Lloyds Arch. All of this is designed to create a more attractive, accessible, and welcoming environment in the heart of our town centre.
A 700-Year-Old Tradition
Ipswich was first granted the right to hold a market by Royal Charter from King Edward II way back in 1317. Fast forward over 700 years, and the market continues to play a vital role in our local economy and community life. Operating four days a week, it champions independent businesses, boosts local employment, and helps new start-ups find their feet, all whilst providing us with affordable fresh produce and a fabulous variety of goods.
Relocating the stalls slightly within the designated market area ensures they remain exactly where visitor footfall is highest. The Council hopes this fresh positioning will help attract new traders while continuing to support the well-loved businesses that make up Ipswich Market. Because the Cornhill has fixed features like seating, water fountains, and the binoculars, this layout makes the best use of the space while preserving outdoor seating for surrounding cafes and keeping the Cornhill open as a brilliant events space.
Consultation with the traders is ongoing, and the initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. While a final date for the move hasn’t been set just yet, the Council intends to get things moving as soon as the consultation process is complete. And don’t worry—if you love grabbing a bite from the hot food vendors over by the Giles Circus, they won’t be affected and will remain exactly where they are!
Looking to the Future
To help support our hardworking traders and ensure the market looks its absolute best, a £25,000 budget was approved earlier this year to replace the current market gazebos. Following discussions on design, we can expect to see a traditional blue and white colour scheme—colours that are proudly and strongly associated with Ipswich!
Councillor Jane Riley, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, shared her thoughts on the project:
“Ipswich Market has been at the heart of our town for more than 700 years and remains one of our greatest assets. These proposals will allow us to continue supporting our valued market traders while enabling important improvements to Lloyds Avenue that will enhance the town centre for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
“The move to the northern side of the Cornhill will provide a better long-term trading environment, create opportunities for growth, and help us attract new traders to join the thriving and diverse market offer that local people know and love. The positive feedback we have received from traders so far is very encouraging, and we look forward to continuing those conversations as the plans progress.”
We’re incredibly excited to see these improvements take shape. Better pedestrian access, greener streets, and a thriving market can only be a fantastic thing for Ipswich. Keep an eye out for more updates, and we’ll see you at the market!
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