Debenhams has already stood vacant for several years, while part of the Town Hall — formerly home to Little Waitrose — has been empty even longer.
Lloyds Bank is relocating to the former H&M unit in Tavern Street, and Barclays has applied to move into the former Tessuti building in Westgate Street.
With TG Jones and Claire’s closing their Ipswich branches imminently also, there are concerns growing from residents in Ipswich about what could happen.
The Cornhill (Image: Tom Cann)
Our readers have expressed their views, on social media and in the comments section on our articles.
One did not have high hopes for the future of the buildings, stating they will be “left to rot”.
Another said that “mother nature will reclaim them” similar to what happened to the Co-op Department Store in Carr Street.
Another said that the council should consult with people who know how to save these buildings and make the most of the history they have between them.
Others came up with ideas about what they could become.
Town Hall on the Cornhill (Image: Tom Cann)
One said: “I like the idea of leisure, housing, hotel, education, medical. Anything that gives people a reason to come into the town centre.
“The new uses for buildings in Museum Street and the educational facility above Jamaica Blue are a good start.”
Another said: “The old Lloyds building would make a great bar on the ground floor and hotel on the top floors. The top floors are underutilised at the moment and would be good to have a high quality, central hotel.”
Other suggestions included an art gallery or spaces for charities.
Leaders from across Ipswich’s political spectrum have also had their say on the future of Ipswich’s Cornhill.