The former Great White Horse Hotel in Tavern Street will welcome Another World VR Arena later this year as well as another retail business, bringing life back to the neglected hotel.
Earlier this year, Ipswich Borough Council approved plans for the hotel to be converted into retail space on the ground floor, with 21 flats approved for the upper levels.
Great White Horse Hotel in Ipswich. (Image: Newsquest)
The planning application was submitted by John Howard, who bought the building in 2025 and announced earlier this year that two retailers were in talks to move into the Great White Horse.
Another World VR will be the first of the new businesses entering the building, with a second but currently unrevealed business also starting to move in.
The Great White Horse Hotel also has planning permission for a third retail space.
John Howard said: “At the Great White Horse in Ipswich, we’ve got two new retail tenants moving in. We’ll do everything we reasonably can to help them get established, whether that’s carrying out works, offering a rent-free period, or making the move as smooth as possible.
John Howard outside the winerack (Image: John Howard Property)
“A successful tenant means consistent rent, a stronger investment, and a more valuable building.
“Whatever anyone says, Ipswich is on the up, the football club is in the premiership and there are lots of new things happening around the town and money being pumped into Ipswich.
“It is a good place to come and open a retail shop.”
Posters on the front door of the Great White Horse Hotel show that Another World is aiming for an autumn opening.