Ipswich County Hall fails to sell after going up for auction

Described as "one of Ipswich’s most iconic landmarks" by estate agents, the long-neglected building was up for an auction hosted by Savills on Tuesday with an asking price of £895,000.

But after a bidding war which saw the asking price rise to more than £975,000, the lot was passed. 

The site has been vacant for more than 20 years Sam Steinberg, from Savills, said: “Although there was competitive bidding around the guide price, the reserve for the lot was not met, and therefore a sale was not agreed.

"We are currently in discussions with registered parties and remain optimistic about securing a deal post-auction.”

The building was placed on the market by owner David Harris, who bought the building some years ago. 

The development costs were deemed unviable (Image: Lucy Taylor) Planning permission was granted in 2020 by Ipswich Borough Council to turn the building into 40 new homes - but work has failed to start since plans were approved.

Under Mr Harris' ownership, the building has fallen into a state of disrepair and was  considered endangered by the Victorian Society in 2012. 

The society showed how thieves, vandals and rough sleepers had broken into the building and left it in an appalling state.

The building will require significant investment and development before being converted into 40 new homes The floorboards were broken, the ceiling had fallen and leaks were coming in from the walls. 

Originally constructed in 1836, the County Hall has a rich and varied history.

It was initially used as a jail, later serving as a law court and council offices. The divorce of Wallis Simpson, who would later marry King Edward VIII, was approved at the hall.

Wallis Simpson, pictured here with King Edward VIII, had her divorce approved by the court at the hall (Image: PA)

Ipswich Borough Council occupied the offices until 1974, when a shake up of local government saw the council split and the creation of multiple separate authorities.

An aerial view of the County Hall building (Image: Savills)

After the old council left the offices, Suffolk County Council occupied the building before moving into Endeavour House in 2004.