Quay Place is a groundbreaking church regeneration project led by The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) and the mental health charity Suffolk Mind.

The £5.1million scheme, eight years in the making, sees the rescue of the ‘at risk’ Grade II* medieval church, St Mary at the Quay, and its transformation into a unique heritage and wellbeing centre, serving the community as well as local businesses.

A quiet and beautiful space

Built between 1450 and 1550, the church had been at the heart of Ipswich’s maritime life – but over the 19th and 20th centuries, it became a bystander in a changing and economically deprived part of the town. In 2008, the CCT sought proposals from organisations to collaborate with them to conserve and develop a new use for the church. Suffolk Mind saw the potential for a heritage wellbeing centre, through which a building rich with history could provide a quiet and beautiful space for reflection and relaxation.

Peter Ainsworth, Chair of the CCT, said: “I am delighted to see Grade II* St Mary at Quay repaired and returned to the community. Quay Place is a flagship project for CCT; an important example of how historic urban churches can be brought back to life. I hope it will encourage others to embark on bold, imaginative solutions to sustaining our historic environment for future generations.”

[quote=Helen Wilson, Chair of HLF East of England]“The revival of this medieval landmark as a wellbeing centre demonstrates the innovative ways in which our heritage continues to play a key role in our lives.”[/quote]

Helen Wilson, Chair of HLF’s East of England Committee, said: "It’s fantastic to celebrate the opening of Quay Place – the result of a long and hardworking partnership between two very different charities and HLF.

“The revival of this medieval landmark as a wellbeing centre demonstrates the innovative ways in which our heritage continues to play a key role in our lives – from a vital space for people to meet to contributing to the rejuvenation of Ipswich’s waterfront. We’ve been delighted to support this project, which of course would not have been possible without money raised by National Lottery players.”

From Tuesday 1 November, Quay Place will be open all day welcoming people to its inclusive space offering heritage and wellbeing activities, complementary therapy rooms, meeting rooms, a café and community garden.

For more information, visit the Quay Place website.