Ipswich business park gets new tenant
It's hoped the expansion could see new jobs created locally
Last updated 16th Feb 2022
An Ipswich industrial park whose flagship building has been empty for more than two years has been given a boost after a large online retailer has been secured as a tenant.
The former East of England Co-op distribution centre in Boss Hall Business Park will be occupied by online retailer MonuMart Ltd, which already rents space owned by Ipswich Borough Assets in Europa Way.
The Co-op secured the final planning permission needed in March 2021 to divide the distribution centre into three units – two commercial and one retail/leisure use.
But estate agent Fenn Wright on behalf of the Co-op has confirmed it has secured MonuMart for the whole main building for a 15-year lease, which the retailer will use alongside its Europa Way space.
The 127,600 square foot warehouse is set to be fully reclad before the firm moves in later this year.
Colin Louch, managing director of MonuMart Ltd., said: “We are delighted to have secured the distribution centre on a long-term lease, to be known in future as ‘The Yaheetech Building’.
“Having previously been tenants of the East of England Co-op on the Boss Hall estate, it is a dream come true to be taking charge of the anchor unit.
“Our ranges of office furniture, home gym equipment and pet products are leaders in their sectors online and we look forward to being able to offer additional local employment when the building reopens later this year.”
The expansion is expected to create new jobs, although the exact number is not yet known.
The company had previously occupied another unit on the estate before moving to the former Billington’s Sugar distribution building in Europa Way in 2017.
It said that further growth meant more premises were needed in addition to its Europa Way base.
Nick Denny, joint chief executive for the East of England Co-op, said: “With Boss Hall having been a part of our Co-op for more than 130 years, we’re excited to see one of our tenants growing and expanding their business, creating new jobs in the area and securing the future of this iconic site.”
Meanwhile, Fenn Wright has confirmed that the plans for the former dairy site, which was demolished several years ago having lain empty since 2012, are continuing to be pursued.
That is for retail, leisure and commercial units.
Alistair Mitchell, partner at Fenn Wright, added: “We are delighted to have been able to assist with this letting on behalf of the Co-operative Society. It will be good to see the building refurbished and brought back into use and we wish Colin Louch and the rest of the MonuMart team every success with the continued growth of their business.”