Historical town centre building to be redeveloped

A developer has said an empty town centre hotel will need substantial investment before it can be used again.

John Howard, who has purchased the Great White Horse Hotel on the corner of Tavern and Northgate Streets in Ipswich, said it would be a "real challenge" to restore the building to its former use.

He said he was "open to ideas" for its future and admitted it may not reopen as a hotel.

Mr Howard said he hoped the empty shop units on the ground floor would be occupied by tenants within a year.

The Great White Horse Hotel was open as recently as 2024, but appeared to close at short notice.

The street facing part of the building was previously home to a major cafe chain and outdoor equipment shop, but the units have been empty for more than five years.

It was once known as the town's main lodging house and even welcomed Charles Dickens; helping to inspire his novel, The Pickwick Papers.

In 2024, the Great White Horse Hotel community interest company (CIC) was awarded £99,400 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for renovation works.

Mr Howard said he would not be working with the CIC in the future, but invited "anybody in the community who's interested" to be involved.

He has been involved in a number of other developments in Ipswich, having bought The Mill for £1 in 2024.

Mr Howard was also involved in the "wine rack" development, which was eventually turned into flats.

Mr Howard said the building was looking "very sad for itself" and that he was keen to bring it back in to use.

He purchased the site from an investment company.

"It's sat here for so long, it's got so many memories for so many people," he told the BBC.

"We really need to get this occupied."

The hotel is listed as a Grade II* building by Historic England.

Mr Howard said he was hoping to work with Ipswich Borough Council and said he "might well need some support from the local authority to get it up and running again".

The leader of the council, Neil MacDonald, said: "I'm delighted to hear that the new owner is looking to bring the unoccupied retail units back into use and will be considering what the future use of the rest of the building is to be.

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

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