Ipswich businessman hopes to transform Tolly Cobbold brewery

The former Tolly Cobbold site may be transformed into an 80-unit retirement development. 

The plans are the vision of Ipswich businessman and care home owner, Mac Khan, who was on hand to share his ideas with local residents. 

Plans to redevelop the former Tolly Cobbold site on Cliff Quay showcased to the public, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

An exhibition of the plans took place at St Clement's Church on Saturday, October 28.

Mr Khan, who has already developed the Westerfield Care Village off Humber Doucy Lane, said: “The exhibition aimed to pick up all the points, concerns, and remarks made by the public. 

Andrew Cann, planning director, Awais Khan, project manager and Mac Khan, Ipswich businessman and care home owner who wants to turn the former brewery into an 80-unit retirement development, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

“Then we will go back to the drawing board, amend whatever has been requested, and then hopefully, by the end of this year, we would like to see our planning application going in.” 

Mr Khan said that overall, he had received “very positive” feedback from the residents who attended the exhibition.

Plans to redevelop the former Tolly Cobbold site on Cliff Quay showcased to the public, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “This building has been neglected for many, many years. Nobody's bothered to bring it back.  

Existing building and plans for its restoration, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

“I’d like to make it useful for the community.” 

The plans are set to be discussed by Ipswich council bosses before Christmas. 

If they give the go-ahead, the restoration of the first two parts of the site could start early next year. 

The Brewery Tap is likely to be the first part of the brewery to be restored, Warren Page (Image: Warren Page)

The main brewery building, which overlooks the Cliff Quay terminal of the Port of Ipswich, is in a poor state after the disastrous fire in February 2020. 

Plans to redevelop the former Tolly Cobbold site on Cliff Quay showcased to the public, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

That caused major damage, and much of the brewing equipment that had been in the building has now been lost. 

But the external walls are still in place - so the brewery retains its familiar appearance. 

The brewery was badly damaged by fire in 2020, Paul Geater (Image: Paul Geater)

As well as converting the former brewery, Mr Khan would also build another block of homes next to it to ensure that the development would be large enough to provide the facilities it needs. 

Plans to redevelop the former Tolly Cobbold site on Cliff Quay showcased to the public, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The new retirement development would have a restaurant open to the general public and a museum showing the history of the building and its place in Ipswich life.     

Plans to redevelop the former Tolly Cobbold site on Cliff Quay showcased to the public, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)