Ipswich people from all different faiths, countries and walks of life are coming together in Norwich Road. 

The Hive has been building a name for itself in the town as a cultural hub since it opened its doors just over a year ago.  

“You can step outside onto Norwich Road, and hear up to 100 different languages,” said Cad Taylor, one of The Hive’s four directors. 

The other three are Sarah Nkugwa, Bopper Rankin and Monika Puchala. 

The Hive is used by a host of different people for all manner of projects. Some refugees from Ukraine use the space for English lessons; others come to attend craft groups; some exhibit their art, or to create podcasts. 

Ipswich Star: L-R: Cad Taylor, Jackie Ellis, Rhona, Sasha, Sue, director Monika Puchala, Eye, and from Ipswich Central, Chris Barnard and Sophie Alexander-Parker.L-R: Cad Taylor, Jackie Ellis, Rhona, Sasha, Sue, director Monika Puchala, Eye, and from Ipswich Central, Chris Barnard and Sophie Alexander-Parker. (Image: Newsquest)

Jackie Ellis runs a women’s radio group from The Hive. 

“Our projects boost our self-esteem, and we all learn from each other,” she said.  

Ramin Sayadi, 25, has been visiting The Hive for the past three and a half months. 

“I remember when I went to The Hive for the first time I saw this warm smile in everyone's faces. Everyone was welcoming me - to be honest, it was quite strange!” he said. 

Ramin is a journalism graduate from Afghanistan, but was forced to leave his home country when the government collapsed in 2021. 

“I find The Hive a place filled with opportunities, a place to grow, learn and most importantly a place to be yourself,” he said. 

Cad hopes that The Hive can continue to thrive as a community hub, but added that she has no ‘end vision’. 

“We learn from every person who walks through our doors,” she said. 

“Their journeys are so incredible – how could we not want to learn from them?” 

The Hive can be found at 27-29 Norwich Road.