The Baths, in St Matthew’s Street, has been deeply rooted in the town’s music scene for decades.
The venue, originally its namesake, a public bath, has seen the likes of Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton with Cream and Rod Stewart with Steam Packet perform.
Spearheaded by Brighten the Corners and funded by the Ipswich Towns Fund grant from central government, The Baths’ unused first-floor space is planned to become a “cutting-edge” creative digital skills lab, the council said.
Chair of Ipswich Vision, David Ralph, said: “This is exactly what Ipswich Vision is all about – forward-thinking and focusing on how the town will transform in the coming months and years.
“We already know what a great place Ipswich is, and this project will ensure the next generation can put down roots, achieve more and enjoy being part of shaping the area for their lives ahead.”
The new space is expected to be launched in 2027, with local businesses, creatives and community groups having the opportunity to access courses, workshops, training and business development.
The lab will also feature an extended reality studio, and will join only one other publicly accessible studio of its kind in the UK.
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Joe Bailey, chief executive at Brighten the Corners, said: “We’re beyond delighted to have been awarded this game-changing Towns Fund grant from Ipswich Borough Council.
“Our town has so many incredible cultural organisations, innovative businesses, community groups and talented young people that are doing amazing work and we hope they will all benefit from this space.
“Our ambition is to help connect and inspire the next generation of creative talent, and we intend to work closely with communities and businesses to ensure this happens.
“So many people we speak to have fond memories of The Baths, from swimming there in their youth to seeing legendary acts like Led Zeppelin back in the 70s.
“It’s fantastic to be able to bring this iconic site back to life as a cultural and creative hub that will benefit the town for decades to come.”
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Construction plans will see much-needed upgrades to the existing ground-floor music venue.
The refurbishment will also see new full-time jobs created and freelance work opportunities.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader for Ipswich Borough Council, said: “The transformation of The Baths will breathe new life into this venue, representing a significant cultural and economic investment in Ipswich.
“This project will not only provide fantastic entertainment opportunities but also equip local people with the digital skills needed for the future.
“We are proud to support an initiative that strengthens our town’s vibrant cultural identity and offers real career pathways for young people.”
Jack Abbott, Ipswich MP, added: “This is such exciting news for Ipswich – the town already has a great range of destinations for live music, attracting people from neighbouring towns and cities, but I’m especially pleased to see something which focuses on young people too, supporting a brighter future for them and creating better chances of local jobs, and enhancing Ipswich’s cultural offer at the same time.
“This will help pave the way to success in our bid for Ipswich as a City of Culture.”