Proposals submitted by Frasers Group show what the former building would look like internally and externally if it were fully taken over by five of the group’s largest retail brands.
The Ipswich branch of BHS was one of the chain’s flagship stores and has been in its current location since the late 1990s following its move from Tavern Street to Butter Market, before its closure in 2016.
Flannels, a high-end fashion retailer, will take up most of the ground floor, with fashion retailer USC taking up a portion, as will Sports Direct.
On the first floor, Sports Direct will occupy the majority, with sections cut out to accommodate Evans Cycles and GAME.
Both Flannels and Sports Direct will have a separate entrance, with signage for four of the five stores visible outside the building.
USC will also have its own entrance from St Stephen’s Lane. USC and Sports Direct will be located in the same part of the store.
In March this year it was announced that the former BHS building had been acquired by Sports Direct and GAME, with Flannels the latest addition to the brands to move into the building.
Frasers Group has been rumored to be moving a number of their existing Ipswich branches into the BHS building for years after acquiring the property in 2020.
The building, which measures 25,000 square meters, has been empty since 2016, when BHS collapsed and closed stores across the country.
The planning applications submitted to Ipswich Borough Council involve the installation of new shutters, doors and signage around the exterior of the building.
A Frasers Group spokesperson said in March that the store would open at the end of the summer.
Ipswich Central chairman Terry Baxter was among those who welcomed the news, saying it was a “vote of confidence” for the Frasers Group and hoped it would be a “catalyst” for more businesses to move to the city center .
He added: “This is excellent news for Ipswich and will be a boost for our town centre. It has taken a long time, with a number of false starts, so let’s hope the process goes quickly and the building opens as soon as possible.”
Colin Kreidewolf, Central Area Committee and planning member for Ipswich Borough Council said: “It’s really good news for the city and it’s in the heart of the city which is positive, and hopefully this can encourage other retailers to adopt the same kind of policy. to show.” confidence to come to the city.
“It is welcome news, it will increase interest in the city center, so that can only be positive.”
The council’s leader, Neil MacDonald, said: “It will give the central part of the Buttermarket a major boost, increasing footfall and hopefully encouraging other retailers to move into the vacant properties nearby. It’s fantastic news for the revitalization of the city center.”
Councilor John Cook, Ipswich Borough Councilor for Alexandra Ward, also welcomed the news.
He said: “This development is long overdue and will be welcomed by other retailers in the area, and by Ipswich residents generally.
“For this to happen now is a vote of confidence in the future of our town center by Frasers Group and I look forward to the stores opening.”
Councilor Carole Jones, IBC portfolio holder for planning, added: “I am very pleased to see this application has been submitted.
“It would be great to finally see new stores in the old BHS building – I’m sure everyone in Ipswich will welcome this move.
“It would really give a huge boost to the Butter Market and the businesses in the area.”