Ipswich Borough Council has acquired the former Grimwades store on the Cornhill

The Cornhill has been the beating heart of the town centre since the Middle Ages. When it thrives, the town thrives. The Grimwades building has been vacant since 2012 which has led to its condition deteriorating due to a lack of regular maintenance. This, along with a lack of tenanted occupation, has been adversely affecting the vibrancy of the town centre.

One of the two units within the former Grimwades is already under offer with an occupier and it is expected the other unit will soon be under offer. The Council is now working at pace to appoint a contractor who will start work by the end of May to carry out the significant repairs and refurbishment needed to bring the building back into use for the new occupiers. Following the completion of the refurbishment the new tenants will be able to take up occupancy later this year and add to the vibrancy in the town centre.

This acquisition has been made possible due to investment from The Towns Fund Regeneration programme and Ipswich Borough Council.

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader, says:

“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.”

Lee Walker, Chief Executive of Ipswich Central says, “this iconic building sits at the very heart of the town and indeed the high street, seeing it move forwards toward once more being a let space in Ipswich is a real boost for the town as 2025 shapes up to be a really exciting year for Ipswich.”

Jack Abbott MP, says “The joint investment in the Grimwades building by the Council and the Towns Fund will enable this key building to play its rightful part in rejuvenating the heart of Ipswich town centre and I look forward to the announcement of new tenants in the coming weeks

David Ralph, Chair of the Ipswich Vision and Town Deal Board, says:

“Millions of pounds worth of investment has been unlocked through the Ipswich Town Deal. The Board welcomes the progress that this acquisition will make in delivering the expected outcomes for Ipswich, revitalising and regenerating the town centre, and achieving the aims set out in the Town Investment Plan.”