Penn Commercial is pleased to introduce new virtual reality gaming experience, Another World VR Arena, to the Great White Horse Hotel, in Ipswich’s busy Tavern Street, acting on behalf of owner and local property developer, John Howard.
Another World VR Arena will be the first new business to be occupying the Grade II* Listed building, which Penn Commercial has been marketing exclusively.
Penn Commercial’s Rachael Jackson said:
“We are very proud to have been able to attract new businesses to the Great White Horse Hotel and to the town of Ipswich, bringing life back to this historic hotel.
“Famously, the Hotel has been visited by Charles Dickens, King George II, Lord Nelson and The Beatles, and it has played an important role in our town centre for centuries. It will be exciting to see the property come alive again and welcome a new generation of visitors. We wish Another World VR Arena the very best of success.
“We have also secured a second national tenant for the property, details to be revealed soon.”
Earlier this year, Ipswich Borough Council approved plans for the Hotel to be converted into retail space on the ground floor, with 21 flats approved for the upper levels. The planning application was submitted by John Howard, who bought the building in 2025. The Great White Horse Hotel also has planning permission for a third retail space.
John Howard commented:
"At the Great White Horse in Ipswich, we've got two new retail tenants moving in. We'll do everything we reasonably can to help them get established, whether that's carrying out works, offering a rent-free period, or making the move as smooth as possible.
"A successful tenant means consistent rent, a stronger investment, and a more valuable building.
"Ipswich is on the up, the Football Club is in the Premiership and there are lots of new things happening around the town, and money is being pumped into Ipswich. It is a good place to come and open a retail shop."
Penn Commercial is also marketing the final retail unit available to let in the Hotel, Unit 1 on the ground floor, the former Cotswold Outdoor store.
The 124 sq m (1,335 sq ft) Class E unit - with frontage onto Tavern Street - would suit a variety of uses, such as retail, office, restaurant, bar, café, subject to planning permission. To let on new lease terms at a rent of £35,000 per annum exclusive.
Another World VR Arena is aiming for an Autumn opening.
Photo Caption: Penn Commercial is pleased to have introduced new virtual reality gaming experience, Another World VR Arena, to the Great White Horse Hotel, in Ipswich’s busy Tavern Street, acting on behalf of owner and local property developer, John Howard. [CREDIT: Oli Picton, Newsquest Media Group].
For further information on Penn Commercial, visit the website at www.penncommercial.co.uk
To find out more about Another World VR Arena, go to https://another-world.com/
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 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.