Will a new restaurant open at Ipswich Corn Exchange?

Dough & Co has told the council it will no longer be bringing a new street food restaurant to the site despite signing a tenancy agreement last year.

Now the council is talking to another restaurant operator in the hope of getting the former Little Waitrose reopened.

It was revealed this week that Dough & Co was having to go through financial restructuring after its rapid expansion in recent years.

Chistopher Sharman, CEO of Dough&Co and former council leader David Ellesmere, outside the premises in the Corn Exchange last year. (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

It has not been able to complete its move into the Corn Exchange even though much of the work to convert the building from a supermarket to a restaurant has been completed.

Liberal Democrat councillor Oliver Holmes is due to ask a question about the deal at Wednesday's meeting of the borough council.

Council leader Neil MacDonald will tell him: "The property is currently under a contractual agreement with the operator, although progress with the fit out has currently stalled.

"Discussions are ongoing between the parties and the Council is working to see the premises open as restaurant/leisure premises as soon as possible.

"The success and popularity of The Botanist, together with new occupiers within the Town Hall and Cornhill revitalisation has led to additional enquiries from similar operators."

Dough & Co made the announcement this week. (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Dough & Co is still trading with branches across the region - and said its restructuring was prompted by the rise in energy prices.

It is understood that another national chain has been looking at the site for a potential restaurant - and that it has been in contact with the council.

If someone does agree to move in there, it should not take too long to complete fitting out because much of the work has been completed.