The station was designed by Sir Alexander Gibb & Partners and built by the Cleveland Bridge Company.

In 1923 Ipswich power station comprised two 3 MW turbo alternators and one 225 kW reciprocating machine providing a 3-phase, 50 Hz, 230 and 400 Volt AC supply.

[3] In addition there were two 1 MW turbines and one 500 kW reciprocating machines generating a 230 and 460 Volt DC supply.

The three Babcock and Wilcox chain grate boilers produced steam at a rate of 162,000 lb/hr (20.4 kg/s) at a pressure of 250 psi (17.2 bar) and 338 °C.

Cliff Quay power station was sanctioned in March 1939 and construction commenced in June 1945 undertaken by the Ipswich Corporation.

[7] Cliff Quay power station was built on a 104-acre (42.1 ha) site on the north bank of the River Orwell 2 miles south of Ipswich.

The amount of electricity sold and the number and types of consumers was as follows:[7] In 1958 the above totals were made up of the following:[7] A fire in September 1982 caused major damage to the station.