Who will move in when TXU moves out?

INSURANCE giant AXA is today keeping tight-lipped about potential new occupants for one of its flagship buildings as current tenants TXU Energi finalise plans to move out.

INSURANCE giant AXA is today keeping tight-lipped about potential new occupants for one of its flagship buildings as current tenants TXU Energi finalise plans to move out.

The Blues' sponsor is set to streamline its operation by moving all its staff – which had been based in five different buildings – in to a new purpose-built headquarters near to the Portman Road stadium by 2003.

TXU's new complex will form part of the developing Ipswich Village part of the town.

The energy company's approaching move has fuelled speculation about who is going to move in to Suffolk House, owned by AXA while its own staff occupy the larger extension next door on Civic Drive.

AXA spokesman, Phil Hickley, said there was no plans for the company – which took over long time Ipswich firm Guardian Royal Exchange three years ago – to move staff from premises in London to Ipswich.

He was, however, able to confirm that a new chief executive, Peter Hubbard, was conducting a strategic review of the firm's "whole operation". He added AXA was discussing tenancy arrangements with TXU.

"We have no plans at present to move staff from London to Ipswich," said Phil Hickley, media relations manager for AXA.