Co-op to explore options for 'eyesore' Derby Road land

The land, which is just off Derby Road, has been vacant since at least 2009 when the John Grose garage closed.

Demolition has occurred, but nothing has been built in its place since, with a section of the site being used as a temporary car park for the nearby doctors. 

The site in Derby Road with overgrown bushes (Image: Tom Cann) The site has been described as an "eyesore" (Image: Tom Cann) A spokesperson for the East of England Co-op, which owns the site, said: “We remain committed to securing a future for the land on Derby Road.

"We’re actively exploring opportunities for the site, that we hope will benefit the local community around Derby Road."

The white hoardings that protect the site (Image: Tom Cann) Part of the site which is at the back of the Rosehill Centre (Image: Tom Cann)

George Lankester, Ipswich Borough councillor for the Holywells ward, said: "It’s encouraging to know that the Co-op is dedicated to ensuring a positive future for the Rosehill site.

"For the local community, particularly residents on Derby Road, it’s crucial that the area is well-maintained in the interim.

"The land next to Rose Hill Primary School has unfortunately become quite an eyesore in recent years.

Ipswich Borough Councillor George Lankester (Image: Ipswich Labour) The white hoardings have been tagged with graffiti. (Image: Tom Cann)

"I was also pleased to learn recently that the Co-op is considering replacing the white hoardings with murals, which could greatly enhance the area’s appearance."

As it stands, the weeds and grass has become overgrown and the white hoardings around the former John Grose building is currently being used to display temporary advertisements and has also regularly been graffitied.

The area of land backs on to the Rosehill Centre, which is also Co-op owned and is currently home to a number of shops.

Upkeep is important to the community said a ward councillor. (Image: Tom Cann)