County Hall has remained empty since Suffolk County Council moved out of the site in 2004

A historic building that has been empty for 22 years could be converted into a new hotel as well as a museum, its new owner has said.

Ipswich County Hall is a Grade II listed site where the divorce of Wallis Simpson was granted in 1936 before her marriage to the then King Edward VIII.

Dr Sachin Karale, a local property investor, recently bought the site on St Helen's Street, which came with planning permission to convert it into 40 flats.

But he said from the moment he first stepped inside, he knew he did not want to see it turned into flats.

Dr Sachin Karale smiles at the camera while standing inside County Hall. He has dark, short hair and wears a navy blue suit and a white shirt and red talk.

Property investor Dr Sachin Karale said the history of the building should be preserved

An aerial shot of County Hall in Ipswich, featuring a side shot of the building showing a smashed clock
Im,
A clock on the side of the building has been smashed

"The planning at the moment from the council is to make 40 flats," he said.

"My main strategy [normally] is to convert offices into flats, but this is such a beautiful building I can't see it get converted into flats.

"When I walked in first, I thought this is enormous. This should be used as function rooms, hotel rooms, and it will be beautiful.

"I would also like to make it partly into a museum, so people can come and visit and know the history of the place."

Two staircases side by side inside the building

The building was also previously used as a prison and a law court

A large 13-panelled window with different stain-glass colour crests on the panes.
The building became home to Suffolk County Council after the local authority's formation in 1974

The main structure of the former County Hall dates back to the start of the 20th Century, although some parts date back to 1837, and one small section to 1786.

It originally served as a prison and law court before later becoming a council building from 1906.

It was designed by William McIntosh Brooks, who wanted its appearance to reflect the justice administered within.

The building became home to Suffolk County Council after its formation in 1974.

In 2004, the council moved into Endeavour House on Russell Road, and County Hall has remained vacant ever since.

More recently it had been put up for auction before Karale later bought the site.

Part of the inside of County Hall, which is in need of refurbishment. The photo shows a large open stairwell with wooden panels throughout the room that need replacing.

The inside of the building needs refurbishment

A selection of doors left abandoned inside the building

A selection of doors has been left stacked up inside the building

Karale told the BBC he believed the project would cost up to £9m, and over the next few months he would finalise his plans before going to Ipswich Borough Council for approval.

He said he felt the building was of "national importance" and that it could encourage people to visit Ipswich, especially with the Regent Theatre nearby.

"The Regent Theatre has spent £3m recently and it has become so beautiful," he said.

"It would be really nice for those people to come and have a [hotel] room experience here [as well]."

Unemployment in the UK has risen to its highest level in nearly five years, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The unemployment rate increased to 5.2% in the three months to December 2025, up from 5.1% in the previous period.

Young People Hit Hardest

Young people are bearing the brunt of the slowdown. Unemployment among those aged 16 to 24 climbed to 16.1%, marking its highest level in more than a decade.

The data reflects weak hiring activity across the economy. At the same time, more people who were previously out of work are now actively seeking employment. The number of vacancies has remained broadly stable since mid-2025, meaning there are now more unemployed people competing for each available role — reaching a new post-pandemic high. Redundancies are also trending upward.

Wages Still Rising — But Growth Slowing

For those in work, wages continue to rise faster than inflation, but pay growth is losing momentum.

• Average wage growth slowed to 4.2%

• Public sector pay rose by 7.2%

• After adjusting for inflation, real pay growth stood at just 0.8%

• Current UK inflation is 3.4%

The Bank of England, which sets interest rates to control inflation, may have room for further rate cuts as wage pressures ease, according to economists.

Political Debate Intensifies

Businesses have pointed to policy measures introduced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent Budgets — including higher employer National Insurance contributions and an increase in the minimum wage — as factors increasing operating costs and slowing recruitment.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden acknowledged that “more needs to be done to get people into jobs,” with tackling youth unemployment a stated government priority. He said Labour is working to make apprenticeships more accessible to young people.

However, the Conservatives have sharply criticised the government’s record. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately described the rise in unemployment as the “predictable result of bad decisions,” arguing that higher employment costs are making it harder for school leavers and graduates to secure entry-level roles.

Former Health Secretary Alan Milburn warned that young people risk being placed on a “downward escalator” of poor health, limited education opportunities, and long-term reliance on benefits.

Graduates Facing Tough Job Market

Recent graduates are already feeling the impact.

Lucy Gabb, who graduated from University of Cambridge in July 2025 with a degree in French, has applied for more than 50 publishing roles while working in a London café. She has secured only one face-to-face interview.

She describes the experience as “soul-destroying,” noting that entry-level jobs are increasingly competitive and often require experience that students struggle to gain while studying.

AI Investment Raises Long-Term Concerns

Some analysts are also monitoring the rapid growth in artificial intelligence investment. While AI may improve productivity in the short term, there are concerns it could reduce entry-level opportunities over time — particularly affecting young jobseekers trying to gain their first experience.

However, easing inflation and the prospect of falling interest rates could help rebuild business confidence and support renewed economic growth in the months ahead.

Additional reporting by Hannah Mullane.

One of Ipswich’s most recognisable pubs, thanks to its prominent position opposite the town’s railway station, has been put up to let.

The Station Hotel in Burrell Road is being marketed by Greene King, which is seeking a new operator to take on the historic pub, which dates back to the 1860s.

Situated directly across from Ipswich train station, the pub benefits from high footfall from commuters, visitors to the town and football supporters travelling to Portman Road with it being the dedicated away fan pub.

According to the listing, the pub is available on a standard five-year tenancy agreement, with an estimated weekly rent of £683.

The Station Hotel (Image: Newsquest)

Greene King forecasts an annual turnover of more than £500,000 for the business, highlighting its strong trading potential.

The Station Hotel includes a large internal trading area with flexible seating, allowing the space to be adapted for different styles of operation.

There is also a commercial kitchen, offering scope for a food-led business.

Externally, the property benefits from a garden, car park and electric vehicle charging points.

A purpose-built outdoor bar is also included, designed to help manage busy periods such as football matchdays and major events.

Greene King says the site would suit an experienced publican looking to run a high-volume, community-focused pub.

They said: “This opportunity suits a driven, hands-on operator who thrives in lively environments and enjoys the challenge of delivering great service even under pressure.

“The ideal person will feel confident managing large matchday crowds, leading a team at pace, and ensuring the pub remains safe, welcoming and well-organised at all times.

“Beyond football days, they will be commercially minded, customer-focused and committed to building repeat trade through excellent hospitality, a compelling food and drink offer and smart use of the pub’s flexible layout.”

By Tom Cann

A pump manufacturer which has its UK base in Suffolk has snapped up two related water sector businesses in Ipswich for an undisclosed sum.