Ipswich council approves former BHS store conversion plans

In June a proposal was submitted to Ipswich Borough Council by Frasers Group for internal and external works at the Butter Market building that has been vacant since 2016.

The group has plans to bring in five of its biggest retail groups, which include Sports Direct, Game, Evans Cycles, USC and Flannels. 

Initial work had begun in July with vans being spotted at Arras Square. (Image: Shikhar Talwar)

Initial work on the building had begun in July, but Frasers needed approval from the council before making major changes to the property. 

The council on Monday granted an application for works on doors, windows and other parts, but has told the applicants that they will detailed drawing of each section before work can begin on those areas. 

Flannels will take up the majority of the ground floor retail space. (Image: Google Maps)

The plans state that Flannels, a high-end fashion retailer, will take up the majority of the ground floor, with fashion retailer USC taking up a portion, as well as Sports Direct.

On the first floor Sports Direct will take up the majority, with sections being carved out to facilitate Evans Cycles and GAME.

Both Flannels and Sports Direct will have separate entrances, with signage for four of the five shops being visible outside the building.

USC will also have its own entrance from St Stephen's Lane. USC and Sports Direct will be located within the same area of the shop.

BHS collapsed nationally in 2016. (Image: Archant)

The Ipswich branch of BHS was present at the site since the late 1990s after moving from Tavern Street to Butter Market but closed after the brand collapsed in 2016.

Following this, the Fraser Group expressed interest in moving into the building and acquired it in 2020. 

In March, the group announced that Sports Direct and Game will move into the 25,000 sq ft site, later updating it to include all five brands.