County Hall is sold off after two failed auctions

Ipswich County Hall has sold post-auction after standing empty for years

A Grade II listed building that had fallen into disrepair has been sold after two unsuccessful auctions.

Ipswich County Hall on St Helen's Street was put to auction by Savills on 13 May and again on Wednesday, but failed to attract a buyer.

The Tudor-style building came with planning permission to convert the site into 40 new flats.

Now Savills have confirmed a buyer had been found post-auction.

"We're pleased to have successfully secured a buyer for the historic Ipswich County Town Hall," Sam Steinberg, of Savills Auctions, said.

"The sale was agreed post-auction and achieved a price just shy of its guide."

The first auction earlier this month had a reserve price of £895,000, but this was not reached.

On Wednesday, the bidding similarly did not meet a lower reserve of £750,000, although a bid of £745,000 was made.

A spokesperson for Ipswich Borough Council added: "It's good to hear that a buyer for County Hall has been found. We encourage them to discuss their plans with the Council as soon as possible."

County Hall was where the divorce of Wallis Simpson was granted in 1936 before her marriage to the then King Edward VIII.

The site dates back to 1837 and originally served as a prison and law court before becoming a council building from 1906.