M&S in talks to move in to empty Toys R Us store near Ipswich

The building has been a familiar sight for many A12 travellers

Retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is in advanced talks to take over an empty former Toys R Us store on the outskirts of Ipswich.

Ipswich Borough Council owned the building at Copdock but it would not comment when asked about the plans.

M&S also has a store in the centre of Ipswich and the BBC was told the business intended to keep a presence in the town.

Toys R Us closed down in 2018 after more than 27 years in Suffolk.

The council bought the building through its company Ipswich Borough Assets and the firm was set up to provide the authority with additional revenue.

The M&S on Westgate Street occupied a large building on the main shopping street in Ipswich

Multiple sources told the BBC that M&S agreed to keep a store in the centre of Ipswich for the next 10 years, but that it could become a different, smaller site.

There are also plans to open a new retail park on the outskirts of Stowmarket which could include an M&S foodstore.

Ipswich Borough Council and M&S were contacted for comment.