Pret is no longer opening a shop in Ipswich
The Pret a Manger colours were added to the Grimwade's building in November Picture: KATY SANDALLS - Credit: Archant
Popular sandwich chain Pret has confirmed it is no longer opening a store on Ipswich Cornhill.
Work at the former Grimwade’s store in the town centre had been stepped up in the weeks before Christmas – with the company’s statement burgundy paint going up in November.
However, activity at the site had stalled in the last month with builders nowhere to be seen.
Now Pret bosses have said they will no longer be opening a branch in Ipswich.
“We are sorry to confirm that we will no longer be opening a Pret on Cornhill,” a spokesman said.
“Whilst there are no plans to open a Pret shop in Ipswich currently, we constantly review opportunities for new shop openings.”
They also said Pret – recently taken over by global investment firm JAB – had been reassessing areas of the business and that this particular store was no longer a priority.
Plans had been made to ensure Pret’s doors faced the new ‘Four Gateways’ art installation at the revamped Cornhill.
Most Read
- 1 Crash involving ambulance closes Ipswich road
- 2 Richest people in East Anglia revealed on Sunday Times Rich List
- 3 Police carry out 'pre-planned' operation in Felixstowe road
- 4 'You have broken us!' - New cafe at Suffolk beauty spot on huge demand
- 5 Driver taken to hospital after car crashes into parked vehicle
- 6 Parking woes for shop parade hit by 'continous roadworks'
- 7 Suffolk fish and chip van to feature on Escape to the Country
- 8 Ipswich salon to offer free gent's haircut at Suffolk Show
- 9 Double drink driver who killed Jennifer, 32, jailed six years and eight months
- 10 See inside stunning £1.15m home a stone's throw away from Christchurch Park
Recent developments in the town centre came six years after retail giant Sir Stuart Rose branded the area “the most depressing place I have ever seen”.
He revisited recently and noted vast improvements.
Reacting to today’s news, Ipswich Vision chairman Terry Hunt said: “Clearly it is disappointing news.
“Pret was an ideal use for that iconic, prominent building and now the Vision board and its partners will obviously redouble its efforts to find a suitable occupant for that corner of the Cornhill, as well as the Old Post Office and the former Golden Lion.
“The work that has been done on the Cornhill is the part of the story, the rest of the story is to find exciting uses for these buildings and to deliver a programme of events to bring the Cornhill to life.”
Ipswich council leader David Ellesmere also expressed his disappointment.
“We understand that there has been a national change in direction because Pret was bought by JAB last year, and they have changed the focus of Pret and there is now less money available for new store openings,” he said.
“It is disappointing and highlights just how tough the retail and leisure sector is, especially in town centres.
“Ipswich Borough Council will be working with Ipswich Vision and all the relevant partners to support the owners of the former Grimwade’s building.”
What do you think of the news? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or email us.
