The next stage to bring the town's former Debenham back into action could be accelerated after the approval of pedestranisation plans in the town centre.

The department store, which is also known as Waterloo House, has been vacant since 2021 with work being carried out by owner Unex.

They began renovating the building in the same year and at one point even considered making it into a concert venue - but work continues three years later.

In an update, Unex's managing director Adrian Morris said that the approval to pedestrianise Lloyds Avenue has helped accelerate the plan to bring in potential occupiers.  

Work had begun to renovate the building in 2021.Work had begun to renovate the building in 2021. (Image: Archant)

He said: "I am very pleased that Ipswich Borough Council has now agreed to partially pedestrianise Lloyds Avenue and think it will be a huge improvement to the area. 

"Ideally, I would have liked to have seen the whole of Lloyds Avenue pedestrianised as I have been advocating since Unex acquired the former Debenhams building but understand the complexities in doing so. 

"What is proposed will have a positive impact on Waterloo House and make the Lloyds Avenue frontage more desirable from a potential occupier's point of view."

The council approved plans to pedestrianise half of Lloyds Avenue.The council approved plans to pedestrianise half of Lloyds Avenue. (Image: Shikhar Talwar)

Ipswich Borough Council had approved a £1.4m plan to pedestrianise Lloyds Avenue from the arches to Blackberry Clinic on July 16. 

While Mr Morris had advocated for the whole road to be pedestrianised, taxi drivers said this would affect their business and make it harder for disabled people to access taxis. 

Cllr MacDonald said there is a need to strike a balance between taxi drivers and businesses.Cllr MacDonald said there is a need to strike a balance between taxi drivers and businesses. (Image: Newsquest)

Council leader Neil MacDonald said: "To realise the positive outcomes of this project, there is a need to strike a balance between the objective of improving the area through pedestrianisation and quality urban design and the operational needs of the businesses and taxi trade."

These changes are a part of the council's Towns Fund Deal plans aimed at outdoor entertainment and a greener Ipswich town centre.

He added: "Lloyds Avenue will be the starting point for green spaces that will extend to Pauls Silo on the waterfront."