The site was previously occupied by Russell House, which was once an Eastern Electricity Central Accounting Office but was demolished in 2001 to make way for the first stage of the Ipswich Village Development. Endeavour House was designed by TTSP architects and constructed by Bovis Lend Lease at a cost of £28 million between 2001 and 2003. It was originally commissioned by TXU Corporation but, in November 2002, four months before the building was due to complete TXU Corporation went into administration. In 2003 Suffolk County Council, who had previously occupied the aging County Hall in Ipswich, were able to buy the 60% completed building for only £16 million. They made some alterations, the main change being the conversion of an indoor garden into a 90 desk chamber for 125 councilors on the second floor. In late 2017 Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils relocated to Endeavour House to lower their costs. All 83 members of these two District Councils will be based in Endeavour House. SuffolkCCGs moved into Endeavour house in October 2017.
Description
The building has 50,000 photovoltaic cells incorporated into the glass curtain walls, this being the largest installation of any office building in Europe. At peak sunlight these cells provide 57% of the building's energy demand and also create a dark pattern on the glass. There are also rain collecting reservoirs underground which recycle the water and pump it around the building for use in toilets. It has a design suited to a corporate business with glass curtain walls, cantilever walkways and offices with windows that look into the concourse. It is a major improvement on the Council's aging headquarters at the East Suffolk County Hall. The building is situated opposite Grafton House located on 8 Russell Road. Portman Road Stadium is situated behind the building. There is limited surface car parking for permit holders with access from Constantine Road. There is also a large multistorey car park shared with Ipswich Borough Council with access from Constantine Road.
