Massive changes to businesses at Ipswich Waterfront

The Ipswich Waterfront has seen a whole host of changes over the last few months, with long standing businesses closing, approval for new hotel plans, a new bar and restaurant, whilst work continues on a new exhibition.

Since the start of the year, hospitality businesses like floating restaurant Mariners, the Waterfront Bistro, the award-winning Grazing Sheep café and A-Listers at Aurora all closed their doors for the final time.

Mariners left the Waterfront in May but confirmed that it would close permanently last week (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Whilst individual businesses have their own reasons for closing, rising costs and the pressure currently being experienced by the hospitality industry have been cited as behind the closures.

When they closed in March, manager of A-Listers Jessica Lucas said: "Like many businesses within the hospitality sector, we have been navigating exceptionally challenging trading conditions.

"Ever-rising operational costs, shifts in consumer spending habits, and wider economic pressures have created a landscape that has become increasingly difficult to sustain."

Jessica Lucas, outside of A-Listers at Aurora which closed in March (Image: Oli Picton)

Since they closed, reports of anti-social behaviour around the car park at Aurora were raised with Suffolk Police, who said patrols would be increasing in the area.

Last month, there were arrests following a fight outside of Isaacs on the Quay as Arsenal lost the Champions League final on penalties.

However, there has been positive news coming from the Waterfront as well with the Salthouse Hotel opening a new spa following a £2million refurbishment and Clay 1A making progress as it aims to open in 2028.

The Waterfront Bistro reopened under new ownership as Ipswich Town were promoted back to the Premier League and Velsheda were given permission to open in the Winerack.

Suffolk based brewery Nethergate also submitted plans to open a new taproom at the recently completed retail buildings opposite Stoke Wharf Bridge.