EEAST opens £12.8m ambulance hub in Ipswich

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has officially opened its new ambulance hub in Ipswich, marking a major milestone in the trust’s commitment to improving emergency care infrastructure.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston, formally opened the facility by cutting the ribbon in front of invited guests, including Ipswich MP Jack Abbott.

This £12.81m development on Ransomes Industrial Estate has been purpose-built to enhance operational efficiency, support staff wellbeing, and advance EEAST’s sustainability goals.

Key features of the new hub include:

• A fully integrated vehicle repair workshop and dedicated vehicle preparation area
• Comprehensive “make ready” services to ensure ambulances are cleaned, restocked, and maintained to the highest standards
• A two-storey car park with capacity for 78 cars and 29 ambulances, with scope for future expansion
• Over 390 m² of solar panels (PV panels), generating clean energy and expected to save £10,500 annually – totalling £315,700 over their lifetime

Now fully operational, the hub serves as a base for approximately 100 staff who have relocated from the previous site on Woodbridge Road East.

Funding for the project includes £10m from the Department of Health and Social Care, with EEAST contributing £2.81m. An additional £109,000 was secured from Great British Energy to support the solar panel installation.

Sustainability is a central focus of the development. The hub features smart technologies and on-site renewable energy generation, supporting

Staff wellbeing has also been prioritised, with the inclusion of quiet rooms, relaxation areas, and a dedicated wellbeing garden.

Neill Moloney, Chief Executive of EEAST, said: “We’re proud to officially open this state-of-the-art hub, which represents a significant investment in our people and the future of ambulance services in Ipswich.

“This modern, purpose-built facility is a major upgrade from our previous base and has been designed with staff wellbeing and operational performance at its core.

“It’s a vital step forward in creating the kind of environment that helps our teams thrive and deliver the best possible care to our communities.”

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