Ipswich Borough Council, working with Suffolk New College, has lodged a planning application to convert the long‑vacant first floor of the historic Grimwades building into a state‑of‑the‑art Education Suite.

Bringing the upper floor back into use forms part of the Council's wider programme to revitalise the town centre. The Cornhill has long been central to Ipswich’s life and economy; after the Council acquired the Grimwades building in April 2025, following vacancy since 2012, careful repairs and renovations began. New ground‑floor tenants have since arrived, with Jamaica Blue opening in July 2025 and Lovisa opening last week.

Backed by the Government's Local Regeneration Fund (formerly the Towns Fund), the Education Suite is designed to provide modern, accessible facilities that meet the needs of learners and employers.

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Subject to planning permission, completion of a grant agreement, and Suffolk New College undertaking the internal works, the development will deliver high‑quality opportunities for adults aged 18 and over, with a strong focus on upskilling and employability. With strong public transport links and ample parking, the site will be easy to reach for students across the region, while the town centre is expected to benefit from increased footfall, dwell time and spending.

Jack Abbott, MP, said: "This is another welcome step forward in bringing the historic Grimwades building back into meaningful use at the heart of Ipswich.

By combining regeneration with investment in skills and education, this project will open up new opportunities for local people while bringing an empty town centre space back into use and building on the green shoots we are seeing in Ipswich.

The partnership between Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk New College is a good example of local collaboration delivering real results for our community. Suffolk New College does incredible work supporting young people and adult learners to gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed, and this new Education Suite will build on that success.

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "This development represents a significant investment in the future of Ipswich. By creating a modern learning environment, we are helping individuals and businesses thrive while supporting the town's regeneration.

"This is an exciting time for Ipswich, and we're thrilled to see such varied uses of buildings within the town. This goes a long way toward future‑proofing our community and providing services that meet everyone’s needs."