Vacant shop to reopen in town centre after a decade

The Grimwades store in Ipswich town centre is expected to be reopening at the end of the year

A prominent town centre building that has stood empty for over 10 years is set to reopen after being acquired by a council.

The Grimwades building on the Cornhill in Ipswich has been empty since 2012 when the last occupant, Clinton Cards, left.

Ipswich Borough Council has acquired the building and said one of the two units within the building was already under offer and it was expected the other unit would also soon be under offer.

Neil MacDonald, Labour leader of the council, said the vacant building had been "blighting" the town centre.

"I'm delighted that we have been able to acquire this empty building that has been blighting our town centre," he explained.

"One part of the building is already under offer and we are actively engaging with other potential occupiers for this fantastic opportunity in the heart of the town centre.

"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."

A sold sign has appeared above the building in the Cornhill

The council is working to appoint a contractor to carry out significant repairs and refurbishment needed to bring the building back to use for new occupiers.

It is expected the new tenants will be able to open later this year.

Ipswich Central boss, Lee Walker, added the news was a "real boost" for the town while Ipswich MP, Jack Abbott, said the building would "play its rightful part in rejuvenating the heart" of the town.

The acquisition was made possible due to investment from the Towns Fund Regeneration programme as well as from the council.