The East of England Co-op has announced plans to demolish an unused building in Ipswich which will pave the way for more regeneration.

The building at 9 Cox Lane, behind the Co-operative Building in Carr Street, has been empty for more than two years after last being used by the Easier Living Centre.

But as the firm works to regenerate ailing parts of the town, it has now lodged a planning application with Ipswich Borough Council to tear down the empty single-storey building.

The application states: “Prior to demolition, the perimeter of the site is to be secured. The building will then be demolished in a safe and controlled manner, avoiding any danger to the public highway.

“The site will be levelled and left safe with no voids.

“The perimeter of the site shall be secured with Heras fencing.”

If plans are approved, the site will then be cleared and redeveloped for the future.

Nick Denny, joint chief-executive of the East of England Co-op, said: “The former Easier Living Centre on Cox Lane has been empty for a number of years.

“Having been a part of the Ipswich community for over 90 years, we are keen to find a solution that will reinvigorate the area and support Ipswich.

“The demolition of these properties will improve the local environment in the short term and enable us to explore ways to regenerate the area for the future.”

The application follows a similar proposal last month to demolish 12-20 Upper Orwell Street, which is also owned by the retailer, as part of ongoing revamp plans for the area.

Details on what projects will be put in place are yet to be announced.