Ipswich reacts to Great White Horse Hotel £100k grant

The Great White Horse Hotel, in Tavern Street, played host to author Charles Dickens during its use as the town's main lodging house and featured in the Pickwick Papers. 

The hotel closed in 2008 because it was no longer able to cater to the needs of 21st century guests. 

The site was previously used by Starbucks and Cotswold Outdoor (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Last week it was announced The National Lottery Heritage Fund had provided a £99,400 grant towards securing its long term future. 

Over the next 12 months, essential surveys and reports will be carried out ahead of the start of the renovation process. 

The Great White Horse Hotel CiC has described its aims to create a "community and heritage hub" for the town centre with a focus on how the ground floor can be used to "serve the community" and regenerate the centre of town.

Sandeep Dayal, who is one of the driving forces behind the project, said there are different stages planned to revamp the hotel.

Sandeep Dayal who has been the driving force for this project (Image: Sandeep Dayal)

He said: "We are absolutely delighted to have received this funding which will enable us to take our plans forward and allow us to prepare for the major renovation of this historic asset.

"This is the first step in a major project and we are pleased to see the lottery supporting our vision."

Who are The Great White Horse Hotel CiC?

The Great White Horse Hotel CiC says its mission is to be a community hub that meets the needs of the Suffolk communities and provide a space for not-for-profit organisations.

It also aims to promote the history and heritage of the hotel and surrounding area but says it is "not limited to the buildings' connection with Charles Dickens". 

Councillors have also been very supportive of the renovation scheme.

Ipswich Borough Councillor Colin Kreidewolf said this marked a step forward in what he hoped would see the building be "brought back to life". 

He said: “Any grant that would help contribute towards the redevelopment and refurbishment of what is a historic building in the centre of Ipswich would be welcomed.

“It’s an eyesore at the moment, given that it is unoccupied at least largely at the front of the building on the town facing side on Tavern Street and Northgate Street. Anything which could lead to the redevelopment of that building should be welcomed.

Cllr Kreidewolf welcomed the plans (Image: Newsquest)

“I can recall it being a vibrant hotel through the 70s and early 80s and they used to hold comedies and weddings and other events there.

“Hopefully from the plans that are coming forward the building will be brought back to life which would be a fantastic addition to the town.

He added: “I'm sure that’s still someway off because very significant finance will be needed to bring that about but a small step on the road to that is definitely to be welcomed.”

Cllr Kreidewolf’s comments were echoed by Councillor Carole Jones, portfolio-holder for planning and museum.

She said: “The Great White Horse Hotel is an iconic building – an historic landmark in the centre of Ipswich.

“So I’m delighted to hear about the NHLF grant for the first stage in surveying and assessing such an important part of our heritage.

Carole Jones, Ipswich borough councillor, welcomed the plans too (Image: Charlotte Bond)

“Congratulations to the applicants – it’s very good to know that the owners are making such an effort to preserve a beautiful Ipswich building.”

There was mystery surrounding what would take over the building as adverts appeared offering the Grade II listed building to let.

Charles Dickens Museum/Oliver Clyde/PA (Image: Charles Dickens Museum/Oliver Clyde/PA)

In addition to hosting Charles Dickens, the hotel attracted a number of British stars and historical figures over the years including Admiral Lord Nelson and The Beatles.