Ipswich's Sailmakers shopping centre is heading to auction - but do you know the history behind it?

The Tavern Street complex will go under the hammer with property auctioneers Allsop on Thursday, March 21 with a guide price in excess of £3million.

The building has an extensive history and was even Tower Ramparts school before becoming the high street shopping centre. 

Take a look at our archive photos showing Ipswich Sailmakers through the year.

READ MORE: Did you audition for The X Factor when the show came to Ipswich?

Ipswich Star: Tower Ramparts school in 1908Tower Ramparts school in 1908 (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: VE day celebrations in 1945VE day celebrations in 1945 (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: The shopping centre opened in 1986The shopping centre opened in 1986 (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Miss Ipswich competition in 1988Miss Ipswich competition in 1988 (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Bart Simpson visits in 1998Bart Simpson visits in 1998 (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Miccoli performing in 2010Miccoli performing in 2010 (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Auditions for the X Factor were at the shopping centre in 2016Auditions for the X Factor were at the shopping centre in 2016 (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: The smallest car in the world also visited in 2016The smallest car in the world also visited in 2016 (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: A mural inspired by Ed Sheeran's performance in Ipswich was unveiled in 2024A mural inspired by Ed Sheeran's performance in Ipswich was unveiled in 2024 (Image: ALB Group)