Waitrose expands into Ipswich
Published: 24 October, 2011
Waitrose has taken 5,000 sq ft in Ipswich's Corn Exchange for its new convenience format
Waitrose will occupy around 5,000 sq ft of the ground floor of the historic building which will give the retailer a presence in the town for the first time. The popular venue hosts a variety of acts and is also home to the Ipswich Film Theatre.
Waitrose overcame numerous challenges to design an innovative store layout because of the uneven floor levels and, more importantly, the building’s listed status.
The landlord, Ipswich Borough Council, agreed a new 15-year lease with Waitrose, including a tenant’s break clause at the end of the tenth year.
Jones Lang LaSalle is the supermarket’s retained property agent for the northern region. Director Paul Faulkner said: “This new store for Waitrose demonstrates that the supermarket chain is now making real headway in its convenience store opening programme as well as showcasing its ability to work harmoniously with buildings of great historical importance.”
This year, Waitrose is seeking to open at least 25 new convenience stores and its ultimate aim is to open 300 convenience stores by 2020.
Savills represented the borough council.
