What next for these empty buildings in the heart of Ipswich town centre?

Empty buildings in Ipswich. Upper Orwell Street. (Image: Archant)

There is nothing essentially wrong with having some empty units – property professionals and town centre managers say it is necessary to have about 5%-10% of sites vacant to allow for new stores to arrive and refresh a shopping centre. Today we look at some of the empty units that are seeking new uses.

Odeon cinema, St Helen’s Street

Empty buildings in Ipswich. (Image: Archant)

The old cinema next to The Regent in St Helen’s Street has stood empty for a decade.

It is now owned by the same group that is currently converting the Buttermarket into a leisure-based centre with Empire Cinemas.

Although there are no plans for the future of the building at present, it is hoped its new owners will look for a new use for it once they have finished their current project.

Empty buildings in Ipswich. (Image: Archant)

Shops, Upper Orwell Street

One of the properties in this parade was sold at auction by Eddisons in Leeds on February 25.

Empty buildings in Ipswich. Upper Orwell Street. (Image: Archant)

It could possibly be converted into homes – but its final use will depend on what the new owner wants.

The others are yet to be sold.

Empty buildings in Ipswich. Upper Orwell Street. (Image: Archant)

Napoli Deli and Tandoori House, Upper Orwell Street

Upper Orwell is home to a string of take away stores, offering cuisine from around the world.

Sadly the Napoli Deli, which offered Italian cuisine, and the Tandoori House, specialising in Balti and vegetarian cuisine, closed recently.

Empty buildings in Ipswich. Upper Orwell Street. (Image: Archant)

The units now stand empty but it is unlikely they will remain so for long.

Co-op Department Store, Carr Street

Empty buildings in Ipswich. Carr St. (Image: Archant)

The Co-op Department Store in Carr Street was sold to Vergo Retail in 2009 but closed soon after.

Part of the ground floor is now the Age UK charity shop but much of the rest of the building is vacant.

This part of town is earmarked for residential development and this impressive building could become up-market apartments.

Empty buildings in Ipswich. Carr St. (Image: Archant)

Izzi Izaiah, Tacket Street

This bridal store closed recently, located next to Peggy’s Place, has been closed for some months. It is one of several units along this stretch of road which is seeking new occupants.

Empty buildings in Ipswich. Tacket St. (Image: Archant)

Groove Nightclub, Northgate Street

A planning application has been submitted by easyHotel to create a 94-room superbudget hotel in the heart of the town centre.

Empty buildings in Ipswich. Northgate Street. (Image: Archant)

See more here.

Seatons Estate Agents, Great Colman Street

Empty buildings in Ipswich. Great Coleman Street. (Image: Archant)

The estate agents vacated their premises at the junction of Northgate Street and Great Colman Street. The business is now run by Fine & Country, which is based in the neighbouring unit.

Ipswich Building Society, Upper Brook Street

Empty buildings in Ipswich. (Image: Archant)

The former headquarters at the junction of Upper Brook Street and Dogs Head Street later became home to a discount store trading as the 90p Store but has now stood empty for many years.

KPMG offices in Lower Brook Street

These offices have only been empty since KPMG moved out in November last year, and new tenants are actively being sought to replace them.