Further funding secured for Churchmans House in Ipswich

Churchmans House in Portman Road is one of four blocks in Ipswich that has been through the Building Safety Crisis in the town.

The building was put under special measures due to fire safety concerns in July 2023, being placed on a 24/7 walking watch.

In August this year, Ipswich MP Jack Abbott wrote a letter to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety and Homelessness asking the department to approve full funding for the necessary remedial action and to guarantee the cost doesn't fall on the leaseholders in the building.

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich (Image: Roger Harris/House of Commons)

In September, it was revealed that Churchmans House was eligible for funding to remediate all necessary works identified in the Fire Risk Assessment of External Walls.

This has meant the cost of the work doesn't fall on the leaseholders of the building with "no contribution" sought from residents.

Mr Abbott said: "I am pleased that we have helped secure further government funding for Churchmans House to carry out works needed to make the building safe.

"I am hopeful that this means the threat of eviction subsides, and that the residents will no longer have to live in constant fear and insecurity.

Churchmans House in Ipswich (Image: Google Maps)

"The Building Safety Crisis has ruined the lives of hundreds of people in Ipswich, and was one of the most pressing issues I inherited when I was elected as the town’s Member of Parliament.

"I am pleased to have worked so constructively with the Government, and thank them for their determination in tackling the Building Safety Crisis in Ipswich."

This news comes two years after the issues at Cardinal Lofts started, with some residents still trying to negotiate buyouts.

Also in Ipswich, funding was secured again to help with the "ongoing nightmare" at St Francis Tower, with residents set to return to their homes next year.