Vacant since 2004, historic County Hall building heads to auction block
The Grade II listed landmark on St Helen's Street is being sold at auction with planning permission for residential conversion already approved, at a guide price of £895,000.
Why it matters: The sale represents a significant redevelopment opportunity for one of Ipswich's most historically important buildings, which has stood vacant for two decades.
The big picture: Originally constructed in 1837 as a prison and court facility, the Tudor-style building later became the headquarters of East Suffolk County Council until 1974, then Suffolk County Council until 2004.
By the numbers:
- Guide price of £895,000
- Planning permission for 40 residential apartments
- Located just 0.3 miles from the University of Suffolk
- Built in 1837, making it 188 years old
The details: The property is being offered by Savills Auctions on 13 May on behalf of a private client. The planning consent for conversion was secured on 5 July 2024 in partnership with Thurlow Architects.
For context: The oldest part of the building was designed by William McIntosh Brooks in the Tudor style, featuring a 150-foot main frontage with twin castellated towers and an arched doorway.
Extensions were added in 1906, designed by John Corder and Henry Miller, including wings known as "St Andrew's House" and "St Helen's Court" – the latter featuring a clock tower gifted by the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Sir Thomas Henry Tacon.
What they're saying: "Ipswich County Hall is a striking and historically significant building that offers a rare opportunity to breathe new life into one of Ipswich's most iconic landmarks," said Sam Steinberg of Savills auctions.
Historical significance: The building played a role in a major historical event – proceedings for the divorce between Wallis Simpson and Ernest Simpson took place at County Hall, with the decree nisi granted on 27 October 1936. This led to King Edward VIII's decision to announce his intention to marry Simpson, triggering the abdication crisis.
The bottom line: After serving various civic functions for over 167 years and sitting vacant for two decades, this landmark building now has the opportunity for a new chapter as residential accommodation in the heart of Ipswich.
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