Debenhams store sale linked to pedestrianisation plan

Ipswich's former Debenhams store has remained empty since all stores were closed in 2021

The owner of a prominent vacant shop has said the building would be "more appealing" if the surrounding area was pedestrianised.

Ipswich's former Debenhams building has been vacant since 2021 and its owners, Unex, have been unable to secure a new tenant despite making improvements to the premises.

Adrian Morris, Unex's managing director, said while the company had seen interest in the building, Lloyds Avenue needed to be pedestrianised to secure a deal.

Ipswich Borough Council said the road could see improvements as part of the Towns Fund.

Lloyds Avenue has been set aside for improvement works by Ipswich Borough Council

"We continue to market the property and have had interest from a number of retailers and restaurant users in respect of the ground floor," Mr Morris explained.

"However due to the depth of the floor plates we do ideally need Lloyds Avenue to be pedestrianised to make it more appealing to potential tenants that will front on to Lloyds Avenue.

"We have had interest from a few national retailers but so far we have been unable to agree terms."

Ipswich Borough Council has designated more than half of its £25m Town Deal funding, granted in 2021, to town rejuvenation projects.

Following a public consultation a council spokesperson said Lloyds Avenue "was chosen as a key location" for these improvement works.

"With funding being provided by the Towns Fund, this public realm improvement project is under way and those businesses – including Unex - potentially affected by any improvements have been consulted by the project team about the early concept designs," the spokesperson said.

"These designs are now being further developed and we look forward to sharing these more widely for further consultation in early May.”

Debenhams shut after online fashion retailer Boohoo bought the brand and its website for £55m, but closed the 118 stores.

The former Ipswich store sits within the four-storey Waterloo House building on Cornhill.

It was built in 1975 and Debenhams' tenancy agreement started on 8 August 1977, according to sale documents.