Ipswich Borough Council has agreed to put the former Crown Court site on the open market for sale.
The property, located on Civic Drive, has remained unused since 2023 and will be put on the open market.
The council hopes the sale will unlock new opportunities for future development in the town centre.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "Ensuring there is ongoing use of the former Crown Court supports our vision for a thriving town centre.
"By marketing the site for sale, we can ensure all options are considered that will lead to this site being of long-term benefit to the town centre."
The council has instructed a property agent to manage the sale. The decision follows careful consideration of the options for retention of the site, with a decision to place it on the market to secure the best consideration.
The move supports the council’s Property Asset Management Strategy and Corporate Strategy, titled Proud of Ipswich.
The Crown Court building forms part of the original Civic Centre complex and includes more than 21,000 sq ft of accommodation. This is spread across the basement, ground, and first floors. The site also offers 22 parking spaces.
It was built in the 1960s and served as the town’s Crown Court until 2004.
Judicial services were relocated to the newer Crown Court on Russell Road in the same year.
The council has identified several benefits to the sale, including the removal of a deteriorating asset and the potential for new development.
This aligns with its goal of supporting a "thriving town centre."
Additionally, the sale would contribute to a "financially sustainable council" by generating a capital receipt and reducing ongoing liabilities.
Ipswich Borough Council acquired the freehold to the site in January 2014. The building remained in use until 2023.
In a statement, the council explained that it had "carefully considered the options for retention of the site" before deciding to proceed with a sale.
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