Work has begun on two new occupiers filling an empty store in Beardmore Park – but mystery still surrounds one of the new companies.
Hughes Electrical vacated its store opposite Next to move into a brand new unit next to Home Bargains, off Martinsyde, earlier this year.
Planning permission had been granted by Suffolk Coastal District Council to allow the now-empty former Hughes unit to be divided into two, with Boots occupying part of it.
Now, work has begun by Stainforth Construction to divide the building.
A statement on the firm’s website said: “Stainforth Construction are now on site in Ipswich undertaking the refurbishment of an existing retail unit that will be split into two.
“Due for completion at the end of August.”
Boots has confirmed that its store, which will be around 10,000sq ft is due to be open in October.
Mark Fernee, area manager for Boots UK in Ipswich, said: “We know customers in Ipswich love to shop new brands, which is why we’re thrilled to be opening a new store in Beardmore Retail Park, where we’ll offer lots of exciting new health and beauty ranges to help them feel good.
“A team of our expert colleagues and beauty advisors will also be on hand to demonstrate all of the latest beauty trends and products.
“We’re very excited about this opportunity and look forward to opening the new store in October.”
The news follows confirmation last month that Travis Perkins had submitted plans for a new unit to be built on an unused parcel of land off Anson Road and Felixstowe Road, while planning permission for an Aldi further along was approved in March.
A drive-through Costa is also being planned off Anson Road.
The retail park has been the subject of large expansion over the last two years, which included brand new purpose-built units being built off Martinsyde for Home Bargains and Hughes.
Wickes and Evans Cycles have moved into new units next to the existing Tesco store, while Hobbycraft has occupied a unit on the other side of the road.
Marks and Spencer also opted to expand its store, while Mountain Warehouse and Card Factory also confirmed it would occupy the former Topps Tiles unit.
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