The closure of a town shopping centre over the bank holiday weekend has been branded a "shame".
Buttermarket shopping centre was forced to close for the second day on Saturday following a burst water main and subsequent power cut.
Its car park is also closed as a precautionary measure following the incident.
Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "I'm disappointed to see it has closed; hopefully it will reopen soon.
"The Buttermarket have been very supportive in promoting the town centre: they were the headquarters for the Hop to It! statue trail last summer, have hosted mental health sessions and have a good leisure offer too."
Many shoppers will be out in town to enjoy the August bank holiday ahead of the end of school holidays with the closure halting the centre's Beach at Buttermarket event.
The free indoor summer event features a giant indoor sandpit with sand toys, giant inflatables, and deckchairs set against a beach mural and is due to finish tomorrow (August 30).
The centre's mascot Butterbear would also make surprise guest appearances.
Read more
5 of Ipswich's oldest businesses still going strong today
Legal notice served to town centre pub to collect abandoned items
Cllr MacDonald said the closure is a "shame for the kids", but is confident the shopping centre will "bounce back."
The shopping centre marked its 30th birthday in 2022 opening its doors on October 1 1992 at a cost of £64m.
Now it is home to a number of brands including Omniplex Cinemas, Superbowl UK, Boom Battle Bar, New Look and TK Maxx.
In a statement, the shopping centre said: "The safety of our visitors, tenants, and staff is our top priority. We will reopen once necessary checks are complete.
"Apologies for any inconvenience."
Share