Burst Water Main Keeps Buttermarket Shopping Centre Closed

The Buttermarket Shopping Centre and its associated car park in Ipswich have remained closed for four days after a burst water main occurred on Friday. The incident caused a subsequent power cut, forcing the shutdown of several major on-site retailers and services, including New Look, TK Maxx, and the Omniplex Cinema.

Management initially attributed the closure to unforeseen circumstances and apologized for the inconvenience. While a status update was promised for Monday, August 31, the facility remained closed that day to allow for necessary safety checks.

Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, expressed disappointment that the closure coincided with the bank holiday weekend, noting the center's importance for community events and leisure in the town center. Separately, the property had been listed for sale at £10 million, though records from Cushman and Wakefield indicate the site is currently under offer.