Why it matters: The conversion of the historic 4,134 sq ft former Norwich & Peterborough Building Society building represents the latest addition to Ipswich's growing number of mobile phone repair and vape shops, which many residents see as hampering efforts to regenerate the town centre.
The details: Contractors are currently fitting out the unit with white display units adorned with brightly coloured neon lights – an all-too-familiar site on Ipswich's high street. The building, which features beautiful Grade II listed architecture, was listed for lease at £32,500 per annum exclusive of VAT, with a rateable value of £39,500, making it one of the town's most expensive vape outlets.
The history: The site has a rich heritage spanning more than a century:
The Mitre pub stood on the corner of Dial Lane until it was demolished in 1958. The pub was an important local landmark linked to the site of an ancient ecclesiastical edifice, with remains discovered during excavations in 1846 and again in 1958.
The current Mr Simms sweet store at 32 Tavern Street was home to A J Ridley and Son, which began as a tailor shop but expanded into "ready to wear" clothing in the 1920s, which quickly became more popular. The business expanded into number 30 Tavern Street, eventually closing in May 1983.
The bottom line: The historic building's transformation into yet another mobile phone repair and vape shop adds to growing concerns about the proliferation of such businesses in the town centre, and the potential impact on ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Ipswich's high street.
