Full-time operation approved for historic Ipswich music venue

Permission has been granted for a music venue, which previously hosted performers such as Led Zeppelin and Rod Stewart, to operate on a full-time basis. The establishment, known as The Baths, located on Civic Drive in Ipswich, was formerly a swimming pool and has been utilized by Brighten the Corners as a temporary music venue for multiple years. A recent application for a permanent change of use for the building’s planning permission has now received approval from Ipswich Borough Council. Joe Bailey, the chief executive of Brighten the Corners, stated that this approval would contribute to establishing a robust “foundation” for the organization’s future initiatives. He remarked, “It’s fantastic news for us to receive the planning permission to have a full time music venue in The Baths.” He further added, “It’s a really great step into the future for us.” The organization had been conducting trials at the 300-capacity venue to assess the demand for live music, operating under temporary event notices (TENs) issued by the council. Mr Bailey elaborated, “It just means that we no longer have to rely on TENs applications both for the use of the venue but also from the alcohol licencing point of view which we received a couple of weeks back as well.” He concluded, “It just puts a stronger foundation down to what we’re going to achieve now and in the future.” Brighten the Corners also operates The Smokehouse on South Street and St Stephen’s Church on St Stephens Lane. Mr Bailey expressed his belief that the new license for The Baths would additionally serve to integrate the town’s broader music scene and draw in renowned artists. He stated, “It’s great to showcase not just our venues but the town itself to people from outside the area.” In addition to seeking a change of use for The Baths to function as a full-time music venue, Brighten the Corners also submitted an application to provide an educational/training space, a development initially reported by the Ipswich Star. Mr Bailey indicated that the organization would explore potential uses for this in the upstairs section. The council approved the permission, contingent upon several planning conditions and limitations on operating hours. The venue is permitted to stay open until 02:00 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings for live music, and until 00:00 during the remainder of the week. The Baths possesses a significant history as a music venue. During the 1960s and 1970s, temporary coverings were installed over the swimming pool to accommodate bands and performers. Led Zeppelin performed there in 1971, an event that BBC Suffolk presenter Stephen Foster described as “Suffolk’s greatest gig.” The swimming pool ceased operations when Crown Pools was inaugurated by the council in the 1980s. Subsequently, the venue served as a social club and, more recently, a gym, prior to its reopening as a music venue in 2021.