Ipswich Buttermarket shops remain empty following closures

Buttermarket Shopping Centre has seen much change over the past year, with shops closing, threatening to close and events opening and running.

A year ago, Creams Café on the first floor closed its doors after operating for almost six years in the shopping centre, leaving no more branches in Suffolk or Norfolk.

The same month Superdry closed its doors.

Creams closed last year (Image: Tom Cann)

Byron Burgers also closed in July last year due to plummeting sales, a unit which has been vacant since.

Omniplex Cinema, which was rebranded from Empire Cinema in December last year, threatened to close due to not being able to agree the assignment of the leasehold with the landlord.

The cinema was saved, however, in March this year, and the cinema continues to serve inside the shopping centre.

Most recently, fashion retailer Select announced it will be closing, with the shop trading for the final time on June 8.

Buttermarket Shopping Centre (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Buttermarket Shopping Centre said: "The centre is investigating and engaging with potential operators all the time.

"We continue to work with the local community on bringing exciting events to The Buttermarket and providing retail space for art exhibitions and festivals."

Whilst retailers have left the centre, it has been hosting more events, bringing more families to the centre.

In December, children were able to meet Santa Claus and the shopping centre's mascot Butterbear.

The Butterbear was also involved in a craft event held in March this year as part of the Ipswich Spring Weekender.

Currently, there are four vacant units on the ground floor and four vacant on the first floor.

Creams is one of eight vacant units (Image: Tom Cann)