Ipswich leaders have insisted they are “well-positioned” to bring historic Cornhill buildings back into use, despite growing concern that several prominent sites could stand empty for years.
The issue has come into sharper focus following a series of high-profile departures and relocations in the town centre. Debenhams has already stood vacant for several years, while part of the Town Hall — formerly home to Little Waitrose — has been empty even longer.
Now, further changes are looming. TG Jones has confirmed it will leave the town centre, Lloyds Bank is relocating to the former H&M unit in Tavern Street, and Barclays has applied to move into the former Tessuti building in Westgate Street. Together, the moves risk leaving multiple landmark buildings around the Cornhill without tenants.
Locals have voiced concerns that these sites could remain vacant long-term, pointing to previous examples such as the former Post Office building, which stood empty for years before The Botanist opened, and Grimwades, which was eventually revived by Jamaica Blue and Lovisa.
Ipswich Borough Council leader Neil MacDonald said the authority had a strong track record of bringing buildings back into use and attracting investment.
He said work on the “Greener Ipswich” initiative was already under way and would complement the refurbishment of Lloyds Avenue by introducing more greenery and improved seating.
“These improvements will help establish a greener, more connected route linking Christchurch Park to the Waterfront,” he said. “This will enhance both accessibility and the overall experience of the town centre.”
Mr MacDonald added that the council had successfully attracted well-known brands including The Botanist, Jamaica Blue and Lovisa, helping to revitalise the Cornhill area.
He also highlighted plans to introduce Suffolk New College’s adult learning centre to the first floor of the Grimwade building, describing it as a further boost to the area’s appeal and community value.
“With this strong track record of delivery, Ipswich Borough Council is well-positioned to continue driving investment and bringing new opportunities to the Cornhill,” he said.
However, opposition councillors have raised concerns about the council’s handling of key buildings, particularly the former Lloyds Bank site.
Councillor Ian Fisher, leader of the Ipswich Conservative Group, said the move would leave a “huge empty presence” on the Cornhill, despite significant public investment in the area.
He criticised the council for purchasing the building three years ago but allowing the tenant to leave, arguing the decision undermined the original aim of preventing vacancy.
“The whole point of purchasing the building was to have control over it not becoming another empty eyesore,” he said.
He warned the council could now face substantial business rates costs and questioned its ability to secure a new high-profile tenant, describing the situation as a “disastrous result” that raised wider concerns about its long-term strategy.
Alexandra ward councillor John Cook said town centres were continuing to evolve but expressed hope that building owners would act quickly to secure new occupiers.
Across parties, there were also broader calls for a clearer vision and more urgent action.
Inga Lockington, of the Ipswich Liberal Democrats, said the Cornhill remained a key civic space with significant historic and architectural value, but warned that private ownership and a lack of incentives could slow regeneration.
She pointed to the long-vacant Debenhams site as an example and criticised the pace of wider projects such as Lloyds Avenue and Arras Square.
“The town has long needed a vision built by the borough council together with businesses and property owners,” she said. “We are still waiting.”
David Plowman, coordinator for the Ipswich Green Party, called for a rethink of how the town centre is used, arguing it should become a multi-use community space rather than relying heavily on retail.
He suggested exploring alternative uses for empty buildings, including potential public sector occupation, and called for more greenery and better public seating.
“We need action and imagination, and we need it now,” he said.
Meanwhile, Reform UK’s Christopher Hudson blamed high business rates and parking charges for placing pressure on the high street, arguing that local authorities needed to do more to support businesses.
With several major buildings in flux, the future of the Cornhill is likely to remain a key political and economic issue in Ipswich in the months ahead.
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