The idea for Ipswich Umbrella started to take shape only a few months ago. One of the founder members of the Climate Cafe held weekly in the Community Hub for Ipswich (CHIp), had been following the progress of other Climate Emergency Centres (CEC) in other towns across the country and thought that this type of community space was missing from Ipswich.
A CEC is a project to occupy an empty shop in a town and to use it for community activities with focus on sustainability, resilience, sharing and learning. She mentioned the idea of a CEC for Ipswich at the Climate Cafe; several people expressed interest and a Working Group was formed.
Things happened quickly after that! The Working Group started having regular meetings, we decided on a name, we decided what sort of things we could offer. We would run things like a Repair Cafe, films, talks, discussions, creative workshops, educational workshops, home energy transition guidance, Library of Things, refill hub, reading group, community noticeboard, free meeting spaces – lots of ideas and lots of energy.
We organised an on-line meeting and invited everyone we knew. Many people attended and we now had a group of people to share our ideas with.
A meeting with the Directors of CHIp led to an empty building being offered to Ipswich Umbrella, we were on our way. We visited 5, Butter Market and decided the building was perfect, in a great location right in the centre of town.
We approached the Suffolk Sustainability Partnership with our idea and they were amazingly supportive and helpful and gave us the confidence and funding to realise the project (at least for the first months).
One very windy Saturday we had a street stall outside our premises and talked to passers-by about our plans, there was much enthusiasm. We had to wait a while for our lease to be finalised and for various things inside the space to be sorted out but we are now ready to go.
The official opening of Ipswich Umbrella, a vibrant new community-led space will take place on Saturday 7th February 2026, from 1200-1600 in our new home at 5 Butter Market, Ipswich IP1 1BE. All are welcome to come along, see us and support our launch
Emeritus Professor Rupert Read, Co-Director of the Climate Majority Project and author of ‘Why Climate Breakdown Matters’ has kindly offered to come to Ipswich and formally open Ipswich Umbrella.
At the opening there will be live music and a display of Craftivist textile work, vegetarian refreshments, and opportunities to share ideas, join working groups and volunteer.
This place will be more than just a building — it will be a living space where local people, interest groups, artists, gardeners, repairers, educators, and change-makers come together to share skills, host workshops, and plan for a fairer, greener future.
Let’s take action on the climate and nature crisis by building a safer, stronger community! Together, we’re building a future that works for people and the planet. We can’t wait to see you there.
Ipswich Umbrella supports and posts events to Ipswich.love
Ipswich Umbrella
5 Buttermarket Ipswich IP1 1BE
What is Ipswich Umbrella? It is a project to occupy one of the empty shops in Ipswich and to use it for community activities, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, sharing and learning.
Events with Ipswich Umbrella
- Sat 11th Apr 2026
- Thu 16th Apr 2026
- Sat 18th Apr 2026
- Sun 19th Apr 2026
- Sat 25th Apr 2026
Who wrote this about Ipswich?
Sam Sherman
Sam is a Co-Founder of Ipswich.love. Passionate about Ipswich, Sam looks to see how we might jointly reverse some of the recent negativity and bring some deserved positivity back to our beloved Town.
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