Ipswich leaders delighted as Great White Horse Hotel set for new lease of life

Leaders in Ipswich have expressed their delight that a historic hotel is set for a new lease of life.

Yesterday, SuffolkNews reported property developer John Howard bought the grade II* listed Great White Horse Hotel, in Tavern Street.

His hopes are to get the shops at the front of the building back up and running within 12 months, although questions remain as to what will happen to the hotel itself.

Mr Howard said he would be keen to work with both community leaders and local authorities to ensure its best use.

Cllr Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, was delighted with the news.

He said: “As well as protecting this heritage asset, it is more fantastic news for the continued improvement in the vibrancy of Ipswich Town Centre, following on from the council's acquisition of the former Grimwades building and the news that the former H&M store has a new occupier.

“We look forward to hearing what plans the new owner of the Great White Horse Hotel has, and how the council can assist them.”

Also excited at the prospect of the building coming back into use was Lee Walker, chief executive of Ipswich Central Business Improvement District (BID).

He said: “The Great White Horse is a local icon in a prominent location, it’s great news that this historic Ipswich building will be brought back into use."

"John Howard is a local developer with a proven track record of delivering positive regeneration, I look forward to seeing works progress.”

Formal plans have yet to be drafted for the future of the Great White Horse.

The hotel was placed on Historic England’s at-risk register in November 2023, with priority A status.

It secured a nearly £100,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund so the Great White Horse community interest company (CIC) could carry out essential surveys, although nothing has happened.

The hotel shut in 2008 but has housed several shops in the years since, most notably Starbucks.