St Mary at the Quay, Ipswich

The £5.1million scheme, eight years in the making, secured a new future for the ‘at risk’ Grade II* listed medieval church of St Mary at the Quay in Ipswich.

This exciting partnership project transformed the closed church into a unique heritage and wellbeing centre, serving visitors, the community and local businesses. Extensive repairs were carried out to safeguard and conserve the fragile fabric and deal with long-standing damp issues.

The reimagining of this 15th-century landmark as a centre for wellbeing 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. Quay Place provides a welcoming and inclusive space offering heritage and wellbeing activities, complementary therapy rooms, meeting rooms, a café and community garden.