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New owners seek to revitalise Ipswich's Sailmakers Shopping Centre

News

Sailmakers Shopping Centre in Ipswich is under new management, with plans to attract fresh retailers and breathe new life into the town centre destination.

The big picture: The shopping centre, sold earlier this year for a smidge over £3m to an unknown buyer, is now being managed by Landswood de Coy LLP.

Penn Commercial and FHP have been appointed as letting agents to market empty units.

Sailmakers in Ipswich
Sailmakers in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Key details:

  • Sailmakers, located on Tavern Street, was built in 1986 and underwent extensive refurbishment in 2017.

  • The centre spans 112,084 sq ft (10,413 sq m) of retail and leisure space but has faced ongoing challenges amidst ownership changes.

  • Current tenants include Pandora, Boots, New Look, and Poundland.

  • Ipswich Borough Council recently approved plans to create 26 new homes above the centre.

What they're saying:

Vanessa Penn, Managing Director of Penn Commercial, said: "We are excited to be chosen to let the flexible, multi-purpose units in Sailmakers Shopping Centre, located in the heart of Ipswich's busiest shopping thoroughfare."

Edward Schwab, Managing Partner at Landswood de Coy LLP, commented: "Sailmakers is a strategically located retail destination that presents a number of value-add opportunities that we look forward to progressing together with Penn and FHP."

Oliver Marshall, Director at FHP, added: "We are delighted to have been retained by Sailmakers' new owners to continue the good work started on attracting new operators to the Shopping Centre."

The bottom line: The new management aims to reinvigorate Sailmakers by bringing in new national and local retailers to enhance Ipswich's town centre offering.

Unplanned closure on Henley Road causes morning travel disruption

News

Sections of Henley Road in Ipswich have been closed today despite notices initially indicating only temporary two-way traffic signals would be in place, leading to confusion for motorists.

The details: The partial closure allows City Fibre to carry out 'unclassified work' on the road.

  • Henley Road is closed in one direction at the Valley Road traffic lights for traffic heading towards Henley

  • A full closure is in place between Ipswich Sports Centre and Dale Hall Lane

  • Ipswich Sports Centre remains open and can be reached from the Valley Road end of Henley Road

A section of Henley Road between Ipswich Sports Centre and Dale Hale Lane have been closed
A section of Henley Road between Ipswich Sports Centre and Dale Hale Lane have been closed for City Fibre worksOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Yes, but: Despite large 'Road Closed' signs blocking the entrance to Henley Road at the Valley Road traffic lights, hundreds of drivers have been observed attempting to access the closed sections before making U-turns and heading back onto Valley Road.

The bottom line: Restrictions are expected to be in place until Friday, 10 January. Those travelling in the area should plan alternative routes.

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