"Potential development options" are being explored as hopes remain that a former factory site near Ipswich could be given a fresh lease of life after 22 years.

The former Fisons factory in Bramford's Paper Mill Lane remains vacant after the site closed in 2002.

Since 2014, the site has seen nine fires, with the largest happening in May 2019 when the Grade II-listed North Warehouse was destroyed.

The 2019 blaze was treated as an arson by Suffolk police.

The 62 acres of land off Paper Mill Lane was then put up for sale in July last year, with hopes of a new buyer resurrecting the site so that it could be put back in use once again.

The former Fisons building at Bramford in 2002The former Fisons building at Bramford in 2002 (Image: Newsquest)

Fisons, a former pharmaceutical, scientific instruments and horticultural chemicals firm, was one of the biggest companies in Suffolk, having been founded back in 1843. 

The business under the Fisons name was dissolved in 1995 after it was acquired by the United States-based Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc.

A fire at the site in 2016A fire at the site in 2016 (Image: Andrew Bloomfield)

Fisons was a major sponsor of Ipswich Town, appearing on the front of the Blues' shirts in the 1980s and 1990s - including during the first season of the Premier League.

Its Bramford site was a factory for the production of superphosphate fertiliser and was built back in the mid-19th century before closing in the early 2000s.

The Victorian Society has previously included the Fisons factory on its list of the most endangered buildings in the country.

Kelvin Dakin, a campaigner for the Fisons Factory to return to useKelvin Dakin, a campaigner for the Fisons Factory to return to use (Image: Newsquest)

Kelvin Dakin, a campaigner that lives nearby, wants to see the site back in use.

Mr Dakin has highlighted the issue of security at the property and outlined his hopes for the future of the building.

He  said: "Sadly, not much has changed since last year. No buyer has emerged and security at the site remains a problem.

"One of the burnt out buildings near the boundary fence was demolished by the owners in an attempt to discourage visitors - this fence was being cut to gain access to the building and the site.

"Later a hole was opened in the boundary wall - this was witnessed by a resident being enlarged by kicking out the lintel.

The burnt shell of the former Fisons factory in Bramford in 2021The burnt shell of the former Fisons factory in Bramford in 2021 (Image: Newsquest)

"Hopes were raised when I was advised of the council's cabinet members and senior officers visiting the site back in February."

A Mid Suffolk District Council spokesperson said the local authority was in contact with the owners of the site over the matter of security.

The spokesperson said: "We have again asked the owners to ensure the site is secure from unauthorised access, particularly over the school holiday period, and understand fencing is now being secured. 

"In the meantime, we continue to explore potential development options with interested parties in order to bring this site back into use."