12 Westgate Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
Price on Application

Description

The property 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 building retains the attractive historic façade from the original Hotel. The property 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 outgoing tenant (tg Jones) operated the store with three entrances at the front of the building, which could be re-configured as required by a future operator. The yard to the rear of the building provides access for deliveries. A number of public car parks are available close by, with over 800 spaces. The building can be let as a whole, or consideration could be given to dividing into separate units.

Situation

The property is situated on Westgate Street, which is one of the main shopping thoroughfares in Ipswich town centre, along with Tavern Street, and close to The Cornhill, where a number of attractions and events are hosted throughout the year. The property is close to Marks & Spencer, Clarks, Primark, Caffè Nero, Starbucks, jd Sports and other national retailers, and the street attracts a high pedestrian footfall.

Ipswich is home to a number of international companies and has long been recognised as an insurance hub, with occupiers including Axa, Willis Towers Watson, Gallagher and LV Group, as well as public sector employers Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils, Suffolk Constabulary and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. All of these occupiers are located only a few minutes' walk from the town centre.

Ipswich Town Football Club was promoted to the Premier League for the second time in two years in May 2026. Its iconic Portman Road ground is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre and attracts crowds of up to 30,000 fans on home match days.

Ipswich's stand-alone university, the University of Suffolk, has transformed the provision of higher education in Suffolk and beyond. The University of Suffolk adjoins the busy Waterfront area and has ambitious plans to boost its 8,000+ student population by over 10,000 in the coming years

Accommodation

Total Area gia: 2,086 sq m (22,48 sq ft).

Location

Ipswich is the largest town and the administrative centre for Suffolk, with a catchment population of some 160,000 and a larger estimated zone population of up to 450,000. The town boasts an award-winning Waterfront, a vibrant community of High Street and independent retailers, and an array of colourful pubs, bars and international restaurants; all within minutes of the stunning Suffolk countryside and coastline. The historic town is located on the River Orwell, 16 miles north east of Colchester, 28 miles south east of Bury St Edmunds, 46 miles south of Norwich and 82 miles north east of London. Major roads in the area include the A12, which provides dual carriageway access to the A14, providing a principal link from the Port of Felixstowe (9 miles to the south east) to the East Midlands. The town's railway station provides a regular service to London (Liverpool Street) with a fastest journey time of approximately 60 minutes.

Business Rates

Rateable Value: £131,000. All enquiries to Ipswich Borough Council.

Planning

Class E retail use. All enquiries to Ipswich Borough Council.

Service Charge

To be confirmed.

EPC

Rating 88D. Certificate available on request.

VAT

VAT is applicable.