The Cobbold Family History Trust supports development plans for Cliff Quay Brewery, at Ipswich waterfront
A trust representing a famous Ipswich brewing family has expressed its support for plans to redevelop a landmark waterfront brewery.
Anthony Cobbold, founder of The Cobbold Family History Trust, believes proposals to turn the Grade II-listed former Cliff Quay Brewery into care units are a ‘no-brainer’.
He told SuffolkNews that the Cobbolds, who brewed at the building for more than 250 years across nine generations, considered it a part of the family and the plans were the best way to secure its future.
Mr Cobbold said: “It has been derelict for more than 20 years and none of the previous plans – including it becoming a cultural centre with a hotel and supermarket – came to fruition.
“It seems to me that a care home or assisted living facility is very useful to Ipswich for a number of reasons: we have an aging population; we have someone who is prepared to do it and it will be good for the future of the waterfront in my view.
“There may be objections, which must be dealt with by the law but, in general terms, Ipswich’s approach to it should be one of encouragement because it will be good for the town. To me, it’s a no-brainer.”
Mohammed Khan submitted the plans to Ipswich Borough Council in November.
The brewery itself would become 38 flats, while an eight-storey block would be built behind it, encompassing 80 flats, for 118 units total.
On the same site, Cliff Cottage would become seven additional flats, which would go on the market aimed at staff.
In addition, a section of the old brewery would become a small museum, detailing the history of the building.
This ‘mini-museum’, as Mr Cobbold called it, was of interest to the family.
They had a number of items from the brewery to donate to the museum, including an E, R & F Turner steam engine, which he said could become a centrepiece.
Other curios included bottles, advertising items, ash trays and flagons.
Associated British Ports, which runs the Port of Ipswich, has objected to the plans for Cliff Quay Brewery due to a number of concerns, including impact on vehicles.
Mr Cobbold said: “The museum would offer a good opportunity for the public to see these items, while people who used to drink at Cobbold pubs will see and recognise them.
“Our main support for the project is the building being repurposed and the waterfront, but the museum is a nice finishing touch.”
Mr Cobbold began The Cobbold Family History Trust in 2004 ‘as a hobby’ and a way of telling what he saw as undocumented achievements in family history.
In his letter of representation to the borough council in support of the plans, he said the family would be horrified to see the state the building is in.
The building has been targeted by vandals and feel victim to a fire in 2020.
He added: “It would be wonderful to see Cliff Quay Brewery gainfully repurposed and would be a shame to see Ipswich throw it out, as the alternative is for it to continue to lay derelict, attract vandals and stay on the listed buildings in danger list.”
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