It has been 30 years since the Buttermarket Shopping Centre opened its doors to the public.

The centre opened on October 1, 1992, and cost £64 million to build.

East Anglian Daily Times: The opening of the Buttermarket in October 1992The opening of the Buttermarket in October 1992 (Image: Archant)

The centre offers 270,000 sq ft of shopping space over four levels and became a home for dozens of shops over the last 30 years.

Owen Owen department store, which operated over two floors, and C&A were two of the main tenants when the Buttermarket opened.

East Anglian Daily Times: The big opening of Buttermarket Shopping CentreThe big opening of Buttermarket Shopping Centre (Image: Archant)

The shopping centre also included the Promenade Food Court, which could comfortably seat 350 people, and was replaced by the Balcony Foodcourt in 2008.

East Anglian Daily Times: The opening of the Buttermarket in October 1992The opening of the Buttermarket in October 1992 (Image: Archant)

Over the last few years, the centre has seen a big transformation, with the new 14-screen Empire Cinema opening.

Several new restaurants have also taken up residence, including Wagamama, Coast to Coast, and Prezzo.

And since April this year, the Buttermarket shoppers have been able to visit the Boom Battle Bar and try their hand at axe throwing or a nine-hole mini-golf course.

East Anglian Daily Times: Buttermarket Shopping Centre a few years agoButtermarket Shopping Centre a few years ago (Image: Archant)

The centre has changed over the years, with several outlets closing down, including Burger Priest which had been operating there for two years.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Buttermarket shopping arcade, May 1995The Buttermarket shopping arcade, May 1995 (Image: Archant)

Rebecca Bird, the centre manager said: “Like many, I remember when the Buttermarket first opened, and we visited it with my family and friends.

“Now I’m managing the centre, and it feels like I have the responsibility to preserve the fond memories that many of the local residents have and bring back the atmosphere that used to be there.

“Over the last 30 years, not only has the centre transformed aesthetically but there have also been changes in shops and restaurants with the centre's core focused on switching to more of a leisure and entertainment offering.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Royal Mail sorting office in the Old Cattle Market, Ipswich. The site was cleared to build the Buttermarket Shopping CentreThe Royal Mail sorting office in the Old Cattle Market, Ipswich. The site was cleared to build the Buttermarket Shopping Centre (Image: Dave Kindred)

“The centre has hosted an abundance of events, supported numerous charities, hosted celebrities’ visits and even a few weddings. All those things made Buttermarket more than just a shopping centre.

“The future of the Buttermarket is looking bright, and we are especially excited about the upcoming festive season, where we will be offering a free Santa’s grotto and Christmas workshops for local children.

East Anglian Daily Times: Buttermarket Shopping CentreButtermarket Shopping Centre (Image: Buttermarket Shopping Centre)

“Here’s to the next 30 years, I hope it will be as exciting as the last 30.”