Grimwades building on Cornhill acquired by Ipswich council

The former Grimwades building on the Cornhill, which has been unoccupied for more than 10 years, has been bought by Ipswich Borough Council - with new tenants to move in later this year. 

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

Ipswich Borough Council has been trying to acquire the Grimwades building since at least 2023 (Image: Newsquest) Ipswich Borough Council said: "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."

Work will now take place to refurbish the building, with significant repairs set to be undertaken to make the building ready for the new tenants. 

The sign previously had a 'sold' sticker over the For Sale sign but this has since been removed (Image: Newsquest) Councillor 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.

"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.”

Leader of Ipswich Borough Council Neil MacDonald (Image: Newsquest) Lee Walker, chief executive of Ipswich Central, said: “The iconic former Grimwades building sits in the heart of the town centre in a key position alongside the Cornhill.

“It has such an important place on the high street, that seeing it brought back into use will be a real boost for the town. The news that this building can and will be re-let soon is a really exciting step forward for the town.”

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott and CEO of Ipswich Central Lee Walker (Image: Office of Jack Abbott)
Funding for purchasing of the building was made possible due to investment from the Towns Fund Regeneration programme in collaboration with Ipswich Borough Council.

Jack Abbott, the town's MP, said: “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."

The site was last occupied by Clinton's in 2012 but the building is known as Grimwades due to the famous store that occupied the site for more than 100 years.