Penn Commercial is pleased to be bringing the stunning three-storey retail premises at 12 Westgate Street, Ipswich – the former WH Smith – to the market on behalf of a long-standing client, available from late July 2026 on a long-term lease.
The property is situated on Westgate Street, one of Ipswich’s main shopping thoroughfares, and is close to Marks & Spencer, Clarks, Primark, Caffè Nero, Starbucks, JD Sports and other national retailers, attracting high pedestrian footfall.
12 Westgate Street is a cherished Ipswich landmark, which operated as the Crown & Anchor Hotel for 150 years. The site was re-developed for retail use in the 1990s, and now includes Clarks and Starbucks, together with two smaller units to the rear in Crown & Anchor Mews.
The property retains the attractive historic façade from the original Hotel, and provides extensive retail space on the Ground and First Floors, along with storage, staff facilities and ancillary space on the upper floors.
There is a passenger lift from the Ground Floor to the First Floor. A goods lift serves the Ground, First and Second Floors. During its tenancy, WH Smith operated the store with three entrances at the front of the building, which could be re-configured as required by a future occupier.
The building can be let as a whole, or consideration could be given to dividing into separate units.
The yard to the rear of the building provides access for deliveries, and a number of public car parks are located close by, with over 800 spaces.
Following the extensive redevelopment of the building in the 1990s, the interior of the premises is now substantially open plan in layout, although the property has retained its historic Westgate Street façade, the elaborate main staircase, and an intriguing small panelled room situated at the back of the First Floor, which was part of the taproom of the original Crown & Anchor Hotel.
Rachael Jackson of Penn Commercial said:
“We are proud to be introducing this rarely-available retail premises to the market, following its long-term occupation by leading brands, WH Smith and the Post Office.
“With its close proximity to Marks & Spencer, Clarks, Primark, Caffè Nero, Starbucks and JD Sports, along with a number of other amenities and public spaces nearby, we are confident that this property will prove attractive to retail operators wishing to take advantage of this landmark location on one of Ipswich’s busiest retail pitches – especially given the additional footfall that Ipswich Town Football Club’s recent promotion to the Premier League will generate.”
Key features of this prominent town centre property include:
- Landmark building in the town’s main retail pitch
- In a cluster with Marks & Spencer, Clarks, Primark, Caffè Nero, Starbucks, JD Sports and other national and independent retailers
- High pedestrian footfall
- Flexible Class E use
- Close to the Cornhill, Ipswich’s busy public gathering space, where a number of attractions and events are hosted throughout the year
- Surface public car parking close by, with over 800 spaces
Photo caption: Penn Commercial is pleased to be bringing the stunning three-storey retail premises at 12 Westgate Street, Ipswich – the former WH Smith – to the market on behalf of a long-standing client, available from late July 2026 on a long-term lease. [CREDIT: Penn Commercial]
For further information on Penn Commercial, visit the website at www.penncommercial.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Penn Commercial was established by Vanessa Penn in 2007 and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2027. The agency provides a personal and dedicated service, with over 80 years’ combined property experience in East Anglia.
Reinforced by unrivalled local knowledge across all commercial property sectors, including retail, business space, logistics, warehousing, industrial, land, investment and development, Penn Commercial acts for a range of private and public sector clients.
The Penn team is based at Fox’s Marina in Ipswich.
For any media and commercial enquiries, please contact: Rachael Jackson / Tel: 01473 211933 / 07471 083167 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.