Work has already started on the former Grimwades building, with construction workers on site today to begin work to the roof and windows. The historic building will be carefully repaired and renovated using local, specialist contractors who will protect and enhance the much-loved building to make it fit for use by its new tenants.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, says:
“We’re delighted to see the works at the former Grimwades building already beginning, with construction starting on site today – while things are happening at a pace, the work is high quality and sensitive to the historic building. This is a further, significant step forward into bringing the building to life, to enhance a vibrant town centre and create jobs and spaces for local people and visitors to enjoy.”
Crucially, the construction is being carried out using local labour, creating jobs and building the local economy at the same time. Bellcorp Ltd., an Ipswich company, will begin work on the windows and roof today – not all the work will be visible to the public as some is to the rear and inside the building, but people may see the construction workers on site from today."
Liam Bell, Managing Director at Bellcorp, comments:
“Bellcorp Ltd. is extremely pleased to be working on this historic, landmark building on behalf of Ipswich Borough Council.”
Recently, the Council acquired the building in order to bring it back into use. Earlier this month, the Council announced that a planning application had already been submitted for the building, and decision will happen very soon. Offers from a new tenant for the second unit in the Grimwades building is likely to swiftly follow.
