Making the Cornhill an inviting place to spend time is part of our vision for the heart of the town.
The exciting news last week was that Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) had purchased the former Grimwades building on the Cornhill.

I’m delighted that we have been able to acquire this empty building which has been blighting our town centre for some years. One part of the building is already under offer, and we are actively engaging with other potential occupiers for this fantastic opportunity in a fantastic location. We want to see a vibrant town centre as much as our residents and businesses do, and this acquisition demonstrates our determination to achieve this.
This acquisition serves as a strategic investment to extend the IBC land ownership in this prime location, support economic viability through strategic lettings and bring vital public sector investment to the Cornhill.

This building on the northwest corner of the Cornhill dates to 1884 and was occupied by Grimwades department store until 1996. The unit was occupied by several tenants until 2012 when the occupant at the time, Clintons Cards, went into administration. It has remained vacant ever since.

This property has been deteriorating over the last twelve years, creating a eyesore in the core of the town. Through investment and strategic lettings IBC can be the catalyst to turn the decline of this property into new growth.
One of the two units within the former Grimwades is already under offer and it is expected the other unit will also be under offer soon. The Council will appoint a contractor who will start work by the end of May to carry out the significant repairs and refurbishment needed to bring the building back into use. Following the completion of the refurbishment, the new tenants will be able to take up occupancy later this year and add to the vibrancy in the town centre.
Funding for purchasing of the building was made possible due to investment from the Towns Fund Regeneration programme in collaboration with Ipswich Borough Council.

The former Post Office has already been converted into The Botanist with the help of Towns Fund money and I’m sure that this money will convert the former Grimwades building to be as successful and popular as the Botanist.