East of England Co-op invests in inclusive technology as it reopens Wherstead Park for event bookings
The East of England Co-op reports that its head office, Wherstead Park, has officially reopened for event bookings following a significant investment in upgraded facilities, inclusive hearing and audio-visual technology.
Set within parkland on the outskirts of Ipswich, Wherstead Park is now available to host a wide range of corporate events, meetings, and space hire opportunities.
The Atrium at Wherstead Park is equipped with a 4.5m x 2.5m LED video wall and forms part of a fully integrated AV solution, complete with microphones, speakers, and a custom touch-panel control system. The regional retailer has also invested in Auracast technology which allows audio to be broadcasted to an unlimited number of nearby receivers, including hearing aids and ear buds, in both their Atrium and individual meeting rooms.
The improvements have been delivered in partnership with AV Unit, an Ipswich-based business which specialises in audio visual solutions.
Chief Property & Strategy Officer for the East of England Co-op, Stuart McDonald, says: “We’re delighted to reopen Wherstead Park for events and welcome businesses back into this fantastic space. This investment reflects our ambition to create a high quality, accessible and future-ready venue that meets the needs of modern organisations."
“By working with AV Unit, we’ve been able to introduce industry leading technology that enhances both the experience and the inclusivity of every event held at Wherstead Park.”
Adam Clark, Managing Director at AV Unit, says: “It’s been great to work with the East of England Co-op to help modernise the space while keeping it welcoming and easy to use. The new technology significantly enhances both the capability and flexibility of the venue, allowing it to support everything from meetings and presentations through to larger corporate events. We’re also proud to have incorporated the latest accessibility technology, helping ensure that events are inclusive and accessible for all visitors.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Inclusive technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
