Explore the history of Ipswich Waterfront House, from its origins as a grain warehouse to its future as a cultural center.
It used to be called Home Warehouse. By the late 1970s, it was in bad shape, having been empty for many years.
Things changed in the early 1980s when the Maritime 82 project gave it a new look. It opened to the public for the first time thanks to significant help from locals.
The year 1982 celebrated maritime history across the country. Ipswich held Maritime 82 events, led by Alan Swann, whose family shared memories of the building.
Events occurred every weekend from May to October in 1982 and people came to Ipswich from everywhere. Planning for these events had started back in 1979.
John Clayton, the director of Pauls, loaned the building to them. They renovated three stories, which became the festival’s base of operations.
The ground floor held a maritime history exhibit showcasing Ipswich’s history. The first floor had rotating displays and various exhibitions took place there.
Tooley’s Tavern, a bar and restaurant, was on the second floor. Henry Tooley, a Tudor philanthropist who started Ipswich almshouses, was its namesake and the area was often packed.
Events happened every weekend, including art exhibits, boat trips, and concerts. The Ipswich Brass Band played at concerts, ensuring there was something for everyone.
Two gatherings honored Dunkirk evacuation crafts, recognizing the civilians who rescued Allied troops back in 1940. Tall Ships Weekend was a main event during this time.
Tall ships arrived in Ipswich, including square riggers, barques, and schooners. Some of these ships then went on to participate in the Cutty Sark race.
One ship barely fit under the Orwell Bridge as it wasn’t yet complete. A few months later, the ship would not have been able to fit.
The director of a container line loved the building after visiting Waterfront House. In 1985, his firm bought it and it became Contship House, housing their European offices for about fifteen years.
The floating Mariners restaurant was also there, serving as a Contship canteen. They sold it a few years later.
Ashtons, a law firm, used the building from 2005 to 2023 before moving to Portman Road.
A plan exists to convert the building into a cultural facility for the Ipswich Ceramic Foundation. The uses of clay will be explored in this new space.