The preservation of a listed mosaic mural in Ipswich town centre has delayed the building of a new primary school, as its removal would cost close to £400,000.

Planning permission was granted in October 2021 to demolish the former Co-op department store, at 48 to 68 Carr Street, to make way for a new primary school, nursery, along with a rooftop garden.

The multi-use games area would provide play space and be enclosed by high fencing "to reduce the likelihood of balls ending up in the road".

However, a Grade II-listed mural on the rear of the building in Ipswich has impacted the delivery of the school, according to the Department for Education (DfE).

The school is expected to cater for 420 primary pupils and 26 nursery children, run by the Active Learning Trust.

Ipswich Star: The former Co-op department store.The former Co-op department store. (Image: Google)

The DfE has submitted a new application to Ipswich Borough Council for the site to propose removing the requirement for the mosaic to be relocated.

The application, currently under consideration, is made due to technical challenges of removing the mosaic.

The mural cannot be removed in one complete section, and it also could cost nearly £470,000.

Ipswich Star: The mosaic to the left is on the back of the Co-operative department store building, above Cox Street. Credit: Google MapsThe mosaic to the left is on the back of the Co-operative department store building, above Cox Street. Credit: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

The rare mural was given Grade II listed status last year, meaning that while the demolition could still go ahead, the mural would be preserved.

The 'Harvest' mural is one of only four surviving large-scale English Co-op murals created in the 1950s and 1960s.

This piece, created by Hungarian artists Gyula Bajó and Endre Hevezi between 1963 and 1964, comprises thousands of colourful square mosaic tiles, depicting the Greek mythology characters of Demeter, goddess of the harvest and the messenger Hermes.

Ipswich Star: The 'Harvest' mural, at the back of the derelict Co-op department store building.The 'Harvest' mural, at the back of the derelict Co-op department store building. (Image: Google Maps)

This listing was due to an application made by local campaigner Beren Reid to Historic England and C20 Society.

According to the DfE, the department is working closely with stakeholders to develop the new primary school, which includes preserving the Grade II listed mosaic mural.