Why it matters: The proposal would bring the long-vacant upper floor of the landmark building back into use, creating learning opportunities for adults aged 18 and over with a focus on professional development, employability and digital skills.
The details: Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk New College submitted the joint planning application for the first-floor education suite, the only floor yet to be brought back into use since the council acquired the building in April 2025.
Subject to planning permission being granted, completion of a grant agreement, and Suffolk New College carrying out the required internal works, the suite is expected to be operational by May 2026, with its first cohort of students starting in September 2026.
The project is funded through the Government's Local Regeneration Fund – formerly known as the Towns Fund – the same pot of money used to acquire and refurbish the Grimwades building in the first place.
For context: The Towns Fund is the government scheme under which this project was originally awarded and has since been consolidated into the Local Regeneration Fund, a single flexible funding pot that brings together several previous schemes. Local authorities now have greater freedom to move money between projects and make decisions locally without needing prior approval from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Councils have until the end of March 2028 to spend their allocation.
The big picture: The council acquired the Grimwades building in April 2025 after it had sat empty since 2012. Since then, the ground floor has been transformed, with Jamaica Blue opening in July 2025 and global jewellery brand Lovisa opening earlier this year. The first floor has remained vacant throughout.
The council's executive approved a £560,000 grant in February to fund the refurbishment, though the decision was criticised by Conservative opposition leader Councillor Ian Fisher as a "deal done behind closed doors" that prevented other potential uses from being considered. The council said at the time that it was unable to comment as the matter was "commercially sensitive."
What they're saying: Alan Pease, principal of Suffolk New College, said: "This is a fantastic step in supporting the skills development of our community. This project will give adults the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market, while also helping to revitalise Ipswich town centre."
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."
The bottom line: If approved, the Education Suite would complete the transformation of the Grimwades building, bringing its long-vacant first floor back into use as a learning space for adults across the region.
