Why it matters: Waterfront House is a key element of Ipswich's historic quayside and its revitalisation could significantly contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.
The big picture: Colwyn Developments has sold the building to Baylight Properties, which will now seek the best way to bring new life to the property.
For context: The iconic building, which overlooks Neptune Quay, was originally used as a grain warehouse for Home and Chapmans and was known as Home Warehouse.
By the late 1970s, it had fallen into disrepair and stood empty for many years until the Maritime 82 project gave it "a shiny new look" and opened it to the public for the first time.
What they're saying: Crispin Kelly, CEO of Baylight Properties, said: "Waterfront House was originally a fine Victorian warehouse and is a key element of Ipswich's historic quayside. Although converted to offices in the 1980s, it has been standing empty since the most recent occupier vacated in 2023."
"We will be looking for the best way to bring it back to life in order to support the ongoing regeneration of the Waterfront and, more generally, Ipswich town centre."
The details: In 1985, the building was purchased by a firm and became its European headquarters under the new name of Contship House, being fully converted into offices by 1987 and occupied by Contship for 15 years.
The floating Mariners Waterfront restaurant, which can still be seen outside Waterfront House, was originally a canteen for Contship staff before being sold a few years later.
Legal firm Ashtons used the building from 2005 to 2023, when the company moved to a former newspaper office in Portman Road.
What's next: In January, plans were submitted on behalf of the Ipswich Ceramic Foundation which suggest converting the building into a "public cultural and creative facility" that would explore the many and varied uses of clay.
The bottom line: Penn Commercial represented the vendors and Fenn Wright acted for Baylight Properties in the acquisition of this historically significant building, which has played multiple roles in Ipswich's history.
