Nostalgia: Buttermarket complex still thriving nearly 30 years on

The centre cost �65 million to build and boasts four levels of shops Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Shops have come and gone over the years and its most recent revamp has seen the addition of an Empire cinema, ten-pin bowling and soft play centre, plus new restaurants.

The centre remains a vital hub for shopping in one of the oldest streets in town where traders have opened their doors daily for hundreds of years.

When it opened in October 1992 The Buttermarket was a four-level, £65million shopping centre with 270,000 sq ft of space plus a 430-space underground car park on two levels.

Owen Owen and C&A were the flagship stores supported by a large number of smaller outlets, including the much-loved Andy’s Records.

When the centre opened in 1992, Owen Owen and C&A were the anchor stores. However, since then, TK Maxx has taken over the centre role Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Our gallery shows pictures from the construction phase as well as the opening of the complex. Do they jog any memories for you? Email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

To order photos, visit www.eadt.co.uk/myphotos24, or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

The Buttermarket opening in 1992 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Ipswich mayor Ken Wilson taking the view from the top of the Buttermarket building site during construction in 1991 Picture: ARCHANT

Ipswich mayor Ken Wilson taking the view from the top of the Buttermarket building site during construction in 1991 Picture: ARCHANT

Looking over the construction of the Buttermarket when it was being built Picture: ARCHANT

Pupils from Dale Hall County Primary School on a visit to the new Buttermarket complex not long after opening Picture: JOHN KERR