Council Acquires Old Store for New Use

Posted by UK Property Forums on 28th April 2025 -

Ipswich Borough Council has acquired the former Grimwades store in the Cornhill – supported by funds from the Towns Fund regeneration programme.

The building, which has been vacant since 2012, has been key to the town centre since the Middle Ages.

One of the two units in the building is already under offer and the other is expected to be soon.

The council is now working to appoint a contractor who will start work by the end of May on significant repairs and refurbishment needed to bring the building back into use for the new occupiers.

The new tenants will be able to take up occupancy later this year.

Cllr Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council leader, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to acquire this empty building that has been blighting our town centre.

“One part of the building is already under offer and we are actively engaging with other potential occupiers for this fantastic opportunity in the heart of the town centre.

“We want to see a vibrant town centre as much as our residents and businesses do, and this acquisition demonstrates our determination to achieve this.”