The people turning empty shops into community space

CHIp directors Suzanne Chung and Ed Ngai outside the new space on Princes Street in Ipswich town centre

Volunteers are turning an empty town centre shop into a new community space for creative events and drop-in social gatherings.

Community Hub Ipswich (CHIp) had previously been on St Nicholas Street, but had to move out when commercial tenants were found by the landlord.

The group has now been given use of a space on nearby Princes St, which was previously used as a storeroom.

Suzanne Chung, co-director of CHIp, said: "I believe that because of how separated everyone is, especially because of the socio-political climate, we need more spaces that allow for anyone to come in and just have a cup of tea and chat to people that they would never talk to before."

Volunteers Michael Andersson and Anne Plummer adding a touch of colour to the empty unit

CHIp was formed as a community interest company in November 2020, with a plan to create "spaces that encourage social interaction" which could be used by a wide range of people.

In March 2022 they took over 47 St Nicholas Street, a Grade II listed building with links to the time of the birth of Henry VIII's Lord Chancellor Thomas Wolsey in the town in about 1475.

The group has also created CHIp Studio on Turret Lane, a co-working space for local artists and venue for music and poetry events.

When the St Nicholas site was needed for commercial use, the CHIp directors started discussions with SAI Estates, a local property development company, to find an alternative site.

CHIp co-director Ed Ngai said: "It's meant to be a multi-purpose community centre, so people can come in, drop in, find opportunities, volunteer.

"They can participate in workshops, in community groups.

"They can also sell their crafts, sell their artwork. Lots of different things that can happen here."

The building is currently being cleared and refurbished by volunteers

One of the volunteers helping paint the inside of the new building is Anne Plummer.

As a local artist, she used the previous hub to run workshops.

"I think it helps to bring [local artists] together as we all do different things, art things and group things," she said.

"Through CHIp I've started going to the writers group.

"So it opens new doors for everybody — just get involved."

It is hoped the new hub will be open by the start of 2026.