From podcast workshops and digital marketing masterclasses to community filmmaking projects, suggestions on how to use the space came from all corners of the Ipswich community.
The evening was hosted by Marcus Harris-Noble, recently appointed Director of Engagement and Skills at Brighten The Corners, who is leading The Baths regeneration project. Marcus previously managed the Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone programme in South London and played a key role in Croydon’s successful bid to become the 2023 London Borough of Culture.
Marcus said: “It was fantastic to see so many local people come together to share their ideas and enthusiasm for the regeneration project. Conversations in the room really showed an appetite for sustainable creative learning in Ipswich. These early ideas will play a vital role in shaping the Creative Digital Skills Hub offering over the coming months, and we’re looking forward to working with our partners to transform The Baths into a cultural hub for generations to come.”
Ed Ngai, Director of Community Hub Ipswich (CHIp), attended the event and added: “It felt important to be part of a community conversation that is shaping the future of one of our town’s most iconic venues. Projects like this are exactly what Ipswich needs – vibrant spaces for creativity, learning, and collaboration. Hearing so many local voices contribute ideas shows just how much potential there is right on our doorstep.”
With a rich history as St Matthew’s swimming baths, social club, gym, and pop-up music venue, The Baths is set for a major transformation. The currently unused first-floor space will become a Creative Digital Skills Lab, featuring:
- Video production, live recording, and podcast facilities
- A state-of-the-art Extended Reality (XR) studio for immersive digital technologies
- Hands-on opportunities for young talent and creative professionals
Upgrades to the existing ground-floor music venue will create a stronger platform for local and touring artists, boosting Ipswich’s night-time economy. The venue will also host workshops, skills development, and volunteering opportunities, including XR design, filmmaking, post-production and editing, audio recording, and digital photography.
Construction work is set to begin in late Spring 2026, with doors due to open in early Spring 2027. To keep up to date with The Baths progress and news, visit: https://www.brightenthecorners.co.uk/the-baths-regeneration-project.
Further information
Brighten The Corners (BTC): BTC is a not-for-profit youth-focussed live music organisation set up by the team at Out Loud Music CIC. Alongside operating three full-time venues, Brighten The Corners is also the name of the annual town centre festival in Ipswich and promotes gigs by independent and emerging artists and musicians. With over 80 volunteers, BTC also runs training and volunteering projects for young people looking to gain event production experience. For more information, visit: https://www.brightenthecorners.co.uk/.
The Baths: Originally serving as a community swimming baths, The Baths has evolved over the years, transitioning into a social club, gym, and eventually a pop-up music venue in 2021, when BTC took over the venue. Previously used as a space for community gatherings, television productions and live music performances in the 70s, notable bands include Led Zeppelin, Cream and Rod Stewart. The Baths regeneration project will serve as both a cultural and economic driver, offering:
- A Creative Digital Skills Lab, providing accessible education and training.
- A vibrant live music venue, enhancing Ipswich’s night-time economy.
- A network of cultural opportunities, linking with other BTC venues such as The Smokehouse and St Stephen’s Church.
Marcus Harris-Noble: Ipswich born and raised, Marcus got his start as a teenage peer mentor with media charity CSV at Ipswich Community Radio and has since worked supporting individuals, communities and organisations across a range of projects and programmes linked to education, culture, the creative industries and economic development in the UK and abroad.
His recent work includes managing Croydon’s Creative Enterprise Zone programme on behalf of the Greater London Authority and setting up the Croydon Creative Digital Laboratory, an accessible virtual production facility in South London. He currently also works for Arts Council England and as a Creative Industries consultant.
Community Hub Ipswich (CHIp): CHIp is a nonprofit organisation that makes use of empty properties by turning them into multi purpose community hubs. By facilitating creative events, and offering space for local artists to sell work, they have fostered a sense of inclusion and community in Ipswich.
Glossary of Terms: An (Extended Reality) XR studio is a creative space that focuses on extended reality (XR)technologies, which is an umbrella term covering virtual reality (augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).
