Ipswich Arts Centre plan backed by borough council

The arts centre could open up as a pop-up venue while fundraising continues

A disused Ipswich church that dates back to the 15th Century could be given a new lease of life as an arts centre.

St Clement's Church, on Star Lane, has been closed since 1979 but a campaign was launched two years ago to convert it into an arts venue.

Ipswich Borough Council, which owns the building, has approved a change of use.

Simon Hallsworth, who is involved in the project, said: "It's one of the most beautiful spaces in the region and we intend to bring it back to life."

A new roof was built following a fire in 1985, six years after the church closed

Simon Hallsworth launched the arts centre appeal in 2014 alongside Carol Gant and Cad Taylor

Mr Hallsworth said the 250-400 capacity centre, which is being overseen by a community interest group, would fill a gap in the town.

"We're responding to a need," he said. "There's been a movement in Ipswich calling for a mid-sized venue for almost 30 years.

"We anticipate making it a very flexible space. We're trying to reconcile two aims - one is to bring the kind of acts who don't come into Ipswich, and also to allow it to be a home for a whole series of other artistic events.

"We don't want to nail ourselves to one demographic or art form."

The council said Ipswich Arts Centre could open up as a "pop-up venue" while fundraising efforts continued, ahead of more permanent building work.