New-look Buttermarket takes shape.

New-look Buttermarket takes shape as Empire Cinema, Wagamama and Cosy Club prepare to open.

The entrance to the Buttermarket Shopping Centre with all the glass removed.

The entrance at Arras Square will have a completely new look by the time the new Empire Cinema and a range of family restaurants open during the autumn.

Work is now underway to fit-out the 12-screen cinema which will include several smaller screens that could be used for specialist films or second-run showings.

There is also ongoing work to fit out the restaurants, including Wagamama, Cosy Club and Byron’s Burgers. The centre should be totally reopened by mid-November after the £35m investment by new owners Capital and Regional and their partners Drum Property Group.

Work on the project started last year, and has already seen TK Maxx and New Look stores move to new units in the centre.

The former food court at the centre is being converted into a Pure Gym – and the area of Arras Square outside the centre will be remodelled with new seating and meeting areas.

Scott and Gabi’s Fiat 500 Italian Adventure

A few weeks ago our good friend’s Scott and Gabi went on an amazing adventure through Italy as part of a large group of classic Fiat 500’s. They documented their trip on Facebook and it looked incredible so we asked Scott to explain what went on:

“The trip was for the top sales teams in the country, of which Gabi was one (naturally!), and they took us to Sorrento for 3 days.

The day in question started with them reminding us to take our driving licenses “as we had to have 2 forms of ID” however when we got outside they led us to the car park where there was 30+ classic Fiat 500s, and each couple would get to spend the day driving the Amalfi coast in one!

The lead car was even a 500 sportscar, a Vignale Gamine … anyways we drove these all from the hotel on the North side of the coast down to the South and along the Amalfi coast to Positano – stopping at a mozzarella making workshop on the way, and then at a pizza school and restaurant where we made our own dough and then the whole pizzas before a pizza spinning show and awards ceremony (best pizza etc) was held.

Then we returned to the cars – all sat out in 33 degree heat and not even a fan in sight (luckily all had the fold back sunroofs) and scooted off again. There were a couple of mishaps on the way – our car was the only one to break down, luckily just as we’d reached our first stop (mozzarella) and the car had to be parked up next to a wall overlooking a cliff face.

Unfortunately – earlier in the journey one of the other cars had developed a “loose break” and simply wouldn’t stop – so the driver had already given another convoy member a “Top Gear Shunt”. However when it came to trying to park it simply didn’t – careering straight into our broken down one at about 20mph, smashing the front end in! oops. She passed the ownership of driving off to her sister at this point, unsurprisingly (the brakes got sorted and all was well). We switched to a new car which had a horn (!) (the first didn’t which disappointed immature me).

Anyways so on the way again, any time we passed a village centre, outdoor restaurant etc everyone – EVERYONE – turned to look at us, take pictures, give a big smile etc. So we sure made use of the horns as one car would start everyone off.. a chorus of 30 Fiat 500’s in convoy blasting their horns is a memory I’ll not forget.”

It’s one of THE driving roads in the world apparently, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone that gets a chance…

Oh one more thing: they’re all privately owned cars and the events company hires them from the owners for the events!”

Ipswich Wheels enjoys success for a second year!

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ipswich Wheels celebrates all wheeled motion vehicles; whether it be powered, pedalled or pushed.

The sun was out all weekend as we enjoyed all the latest in car design, classic cars, buses, vintage vehicles, cycles, trucks, stock cars, emergency services and radio cars!

And new to Ipswich Wheels was the ‘Stunt Arena’ where the excitement was intense, unpredictable and thrilling.

We witnessed the famous ‘Slingshot’ do its amazing walk over cars, the Xtreme Stunt Team in ‘Man v’s Machine’ where extreme cycles versus motorcycles compete for the prize.

There was something for everyone at the Ipswich Wheels 2016 celebration, we can’t wait for Ipswich Wheels 2017…Bridge Classic Cars may even make an appearance with some of our latest restorations![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5262,5261,5309,5308,5307,5306,5305,5304,5303,5302,5301,5300,5299,5298,5297,5296,5295,5294,5293,5292,5291,5290,5289,5288,5287,5286,5285,5284,5283,5282,5281,5280,5279,5278,5277,5276,5275,5274,5273,5272,5271,5270,5269,5268,5267,5266,5265,5264,5263″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Your chance to comment on new look for Ipswich Cornhill

Updated designs showing the proposed new look for Ipswich Cornhill have today been published – and now it is your turn to say what you think of them.

The designs show the major part of the Cornhill will be raised to give a flat area between the front of Debenhams and the entrance to the Cornhill.

A new water feature could be created on the new flat surface – and there will be space for some market stalls.

Other stalls will be moved to the pedestrianised Queen Street area and Giles’ Circus, on the other side of the Town Hall/Corn Exchange complex.

The consultation for the £3.2m project formally starts tomorrow when there is an exhibition at the Town Hall during the afternoon and all day on Saturday.

The project team will be on hand on both occasions to explain both the designs and the proposed programme. Anyone who cannot make those dates can go to www.ipswichvision.org.uk/cornhill, look at the designs and comment online.

The project by the Ipswich Vision Group aims to inject new life and business into the heart of the town and exploratory work has already begun, with boreholes and archaeological trenches being dug.

Ipswich council is leading the project on behalf of the Vision Group and it is being funded by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership(LEP), the borough and Suffolk County Council.

The only designs submitted so far have been at the concept stage and architects Hall McKnight have now developed them and produced new designs.

The final design will be the subject of a planning application later this year, at which people will have a further opportunity to comment.

Borough Leader David Ellesmere said: “This is an exciting project to boost the town centre for residents, visitors and businesses but we want to ensure we have the widest possible consultation.

“The latest designs will be developed after we find out what the public thinks.”

Cabinet Member for Ipswich at Suffolk County Council, Christopher Hudson, said: “This project supports the continued renaissance of our county town.

“We are very pleased to be investing in this work along with Ipswich Borough Council and other local partners to see it happen.

“I hope local people really engage with this consultation and offer their thoughts on what is a very exciting project for Ipswich.”

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said: “We are making good progress on the Cornhill and I would like to pay tribute to the borough, Ipswich Central and the other Vision partners for pushing this through.”

Mark Pendlington, Chairman of New Anglia LEP, said: “We have a great opportunity to create a vibrant town centre that will be a magnet to attract new retailers and leisure businesses and create a thriving hub which will unlock further economic benefits across the town.

“I urge everyone from business to shoppers and residents to look at these exciting designs and play their part in the regeneration of Ipswich.”

Ipswich Central chairman Terry Baxter said: “An improved focal point for the town is something which businesses have longed for and the work of the Ipswich Vision has been vital in securing the finding for a rejuvenated Cornhill.

“The designs for its new look bring it much more in line with the modern feel the town centre craves and I hope local people embrace this as a change for a better, brighter, more prosperous town centre.”

Barons Connoisseurs Classic Car Collection

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The sun was shining for us today as we spent a lovely day at Tattersalls in Newmarket for Barons Connoisseurs Classic Car Collection.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5118,5120,5121,5122,5123,5125,5126,5128,5129,5130,5131,5132,5133,5134,5135,5136,5137,5138,5139,5140,5141,5142,5143,5144,5145,5146,5148,5149,5150,5151,5152,5153,5154,5155,5156,5158″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Heritage Displayed In Dubai

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For Imtiaz Shaikh, it all began with a poster of a Jaguar E-type on his bedroom wall. Not every teenager goes on to own a real one, of course, yet Sheikh was able to do just that. He bought a 1967 4.2, and soon moved on from there.

“My hobby quickly transformed into an obsession,” he says. “I have just one criterion – I only buy classic cars that I have always desired and/or one that tickle my fancy! Rarity value adds to the appeal, and I focus solely on post-war classics”

As well as buying and selling cars, Shaikh had long wanted to open a gallery to display his own collection to the public, but was prevented by Dubai’s restrictions on the ownership of property by foreign nationals. His chance came in 2011, when the economic downturn resulted in a depressed property market that was under pressure to allow limited non-local ownership. Shaikh obtained royal approval to buy a piece of land in the Al Barsha district, specially dedicated to a classic car gallery.

His first exhibits were moved into the facility in 2014: “More than 20 are displayed at any one time and, by rotating stock weekly, visitors return regularly to discover cars they have not seen before.”

A further 70 are stored in the Vault, which is opened only by special arrangement. Displayed in rows are the likes of a restored 1976 Lamborghini Countach, one of three in the collection, a ’61 E-type, an ’85 Ferrari 288GTO with just over 1000km on the clock and a 250GT California Spider SWB.

Sheikh’s cars are regulars at the Emirates Classic Cars Festival, and in 2015 his Bono-bodied 1956 Ferrari 250GT won Best In Show. The previous year, he’d picked up the European Car Award for a Mercedes-Benz 220S convertible and the Special Coachwork Award for a 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato.

“Some of the very rare cars need to be exercised,” explains Shaikh, ‘but the extreme summer temperatures in the UAE prevent is from taking them out onto the open road. We’ve therefore installed an exhaust system enabling us to warm up the cars twice a week without causing pollution within the air-conditioned building.”

By the beginning of 2015, his collection had grown to more than 120 cars, requiring him to rent additional storage space: “Very early on, I realised the need to have our own dedicated garage to restore and service out cars. The hobby is in its infancy in Dubai, and local repair shops lack an understanding of the difference between classics and regular cars. The festival has expanded interest in – and understanding of – older vehicles, but it’s still early days.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Knowledge

Address: 4th Street, Umm Suqeim Road, Al Barsha 2, Dubai

Where? In the Al Barsha section of town, between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road

Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm from Sunday until Thursday. The collection is closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to the Vault by special arrangement only.

How much? Free

Telephone: 00971 4 306 2032

Web: www.tominiclassics.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Full or Part Time ‘All Rounder’ Required

Full or Part Time ‘All Rounder’ required to join the Bridge Classic Cars family and grow our team of exceptional classic and vintage car restorers.

If you have the experience we have facilities…

• Mechanic
• Welder
• Auto Electrics
• Engines
• Braking Systems
• Restorer

Would possibly suit a retired mechanic who enjoys old cars but we would also consider a young apprentice who has a proven ability with motor vehicles.

You must be passionate about classics and work to very high standards.

If you have skills in any of the above we want to hear from you.

Email your CV to info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk or call us for a chat.

E-types in crusade against cancer

Jaguar E-types are to relay around the coast of Great Britain to raise cash for charity. The organisers hope that, besides sponsorship money, the unique feat will also raise awareness of prostate cancer, which is currently diagnosed in 130 men a day un the UK – 47,000 a year.

The charity event for Prostate Cancer UK is being led by the Jaguar E-type Club and author Philip Porter, who is himself recovering from the disease. Porter intends to drive the whole 3000 plus miles in his ex-Italian Job roadster, 848 CRY, but is calling on all E-type owners to play a part, whether that means joining him for just a few miles or several days.

It’s unclear whether the motoring challenge has ever been tackled before, but is has certainly not been undertaken in the modern era or by cars that are all around 50 years old.

Kicking off at Goodwood on 12th September, the epic trip comprises of 18 one-day stages, each averaging 180 miles.

Porter said; “To create a great spectacle for the public and the media, we need as many E-types to participate as possible. Our cars can play a major role in the fight against this indiscriminate killer. We can have a lot of fun and enjoy an amazing drive through many of the most stunning parts of Britain while helping a good cause.”

Click here for full details or, if you’re interested in joining the event, call 01584 781588 or email louise@e-typeclub.co.uk

George Clarkes Amazing Spaces in Ipswich

Ipswich based, Simon Morris, Commercial Vehicle Paintshop and Repairs have achieved more than their 15 minutes of fame, after successfully winning a contract to respray a 1970’s static caravan which was one of the main stars in the Channel 4 TV television programme ‘Geroge Clarkes Amazing Spaces’.

Simon Morris were frequently spotted during the 6 episodes in this first series presented by George Clarke, architect, writer and lecturer, who was previously presented C4 television series ‘Restoration Man and Great British Property Scandal. the new programme saw George exploring the extraordinary world of small builds, where people turn tiny spaces into the most incredible places to either live, work or play – whilst at the same time creating one of his very own with childhood holiday memories for many, the static caravan!

If you missed the first series, you can still see episodes, clips and photos, or possible a glimpse of Dave and the Simon Morris team working on the caravan via Channel 4 online.

Ipswich Summertime Events – July 2016

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Global Rhythm – 9th July 2016 from 1pm to 7pm at Christchurch Park.

Now in its 6th year, Ipswich’s annual free festival of world music is a colourful and exciting celebration of worldwide culture, showcasing the best world and roots music and dance in the perfect setting of Christchurch Park.

This year the Peppery Stage has been renamed in memory of Martin Burley, a founding member of Peppery Productions, to recognise his contribution to the musical life of Ipswich and Suffolk.

The line-up on the Martin Burley Peppery Stage includes Ska, Country, Afrobeat, Bollywood and more. There’s rollin’ reggae and skankin’ ska from the Goldmaster Allstars. In a treat for Americana fans The Wangford Four will feature Hank Wangford and one of the world’s finest pedal steel players BJ Cole. South Indian violin star Jyotsna Srikanth joins Bollywood Brass Band on stage for their ‘Carnatic Connections’ show. And to round off the afternoon Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Orchestra will bring their joyous and uplifting sound to the park.

For more info see Peppery Productions

This year we have another new stage, the Living Latino stage programmed by UCS. This new stage includes all kinds of Latin music including dance workshops and more.

And our third stage is the Missile Sound stage, playing Reggae, Ska, Soca, Soul and RnB music throughout the day with Ipswich Community Radio presenter Skippa J and guest.

Indian Summer Mela – 10th July 2016 from 10pm to 6pm at Christchurch Park

Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association present a rich and colourful celebration of Asian culture.

Highlights include a glittering mix of live entertainment of stunning and vibrant performances of Indian Bollywood dances, songs, music, Bollywood dance workshops, Rangoli workshops, Indian cooking demonstrations, sari and turban demonstrations, Mela’s Got Talent, a vibrant market and an Indian food village.

Indulge in delicious Indian cuisine from across the Indian subcontinent. Spend the day exploring and enjoying this exciting expression of Asian culture at this family friendly event.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ipswich Wheels – 17th July from 10am to 5pm at Chantry Park.

Ipswich Wheels celebrates all wheeled motion vehicles whether it be powered, pedalled or pushed. See the latest in car design, car classics, buses, vintage vehicles, cycles, trucks, stock cars, emergency services and radio cars!

New to Ipswich Wheels is the ‘Stunt Arena’ where the excitement is intense, unpredictable and thrilling. Watch the famous ‘Slingshot’ do its amazing walk over cars. See the Xtreme Stunt Team in ‘Man v’s Machine’ where extreme cycles versus motorcycles to compete for the prize. Then relax and enjoy the very funny and comedic act from ‘Dingle Fingle’ where that pesky villain Slippery Sid is on the run again. Added in for good measure is the famed ‘Kangaroo Kid’ with his crazy quad bike stunts and antics from out of Australia, anything could happen!

We have everything from the cheeky Nitro cars race team to the super big trucks seen on our motorways. Make your own comparisons of the bone shaker vintage bikes to the bone shaker competition cycles of today.

There’s something for everyone at the Ipswich Wheels 2016 celebration, come along for a great day out![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ipswich Borough Council hope you will be able to come to all or some of the events they have lined up this summer and join in the fun and celebrations. The full annual 2016 Summer Programme can be viewed at Ipswich Entertains online. For the latest updates follow @IpswichEnts on Twitter and like their page IpswichEnts on facebook.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Let’s hope they both reach the £1m

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s not everyday you get to see two cars, both with the potential of reaching over £1m.

On Tuesday 12th July Bridge Classic Cars will be attending Barons Connoisseurs Classic Car Collection at Tattersalls in Newmarket.

Check out these incredible entries:

1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback – £750 000 to £1 000 000

The R-Type Continental was a high-performance version of the R-Type. It was the fastest four-seat car in production at the time. The prototype was developed by a team of designers and engineers from Rolls-Royce Ltd. and H. J. Mulliner & Co. led by Rolls-Royce’s Chief Project Engineer, Ivan Evernden. Rolls-Royce worked with H. J. Mulliner instead of their own coachbuilding subsidiary Park Ward because the former had developed a lightweight body construction system using metal throughout instead of the traditional ash-framed bodies. The styling, finalised by Stanley Watts of H. J. Mulliner, was influenced by aerodynamic testing conducted at Rolls-Royce’s wind tunnel by Evernden’s assistant, Milford Read. The rear fins stabilised the car at speed and made it resistant to changes in direction due to crosswinds. A maximum kerb weight 1,700 kg was specified to keep the tyres within a safe load limit at a top speed of 120 mph.

Despite its name, the two-door Continental was produced principally for the domestic home market, most of the 207 cars produced were right-hand drive, with 43 left-hand drive examples produced for use abroad. The chassis was produced at the Rolls-Royce Crewe factory and shared many components with the standard R type. R-Type Continentals were delivered as rolling chassis to the coach-builder of choice. Coachwork for most of these cars was completed by H. J. Mulliner & Co. who mainly built them in fastback coupe form. Other coachwork came from Park Ward (London) who built six, later including a drophead coupe version. Franay (Paris) built five, Graber (Wichtrach, Switzerland) built three, one of them later altered by Köng (Basel, Switzerland), and Pininfarina made one. James Young (London) built in 1954 a Sports Saloon for the owner of the company, James Barclay.

This very original example is in very good order and is used on a regular basis. It retains its 4.6 litre engine, and the car drives very well with both engine and gearbox working as they should which allows the car to operate in modern traffic with ease. Owned by the same family for over Forty years and maintained by their own Dealership in that time.

1953 Bentley R Type Continental Fastback – £1 000 000 to £1 300 000

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4835,4836,4837,4838,4839,4840,4841,4842,4843,4844,4845,4846,4847,4848,4849,4850,4851,4852,4853,4854,4855,4856,4857,4858,4859,4860,4861,4862,4863,4864,4829,4828″ title=”View the other entries”][/vc_column][/vc_row]