On this day last year, a historic 160-year-old pub in Ipswich was put up for sale at auction.
The Golden Ship pub, located on Cliff Road, was originally known as The Ship Launch until its closure in 2010, following several attempts by different managers to revive it.
After its closure, the venue transitioned into a Chinese takeaway, retaining the name The Golden Ship, which ultimately ceased operations in 2018.
The property, owned by Keltik Solutions Ltd, was set to be auctioned on Wednesday, September 25, with a guide price of £200,000.
The Golden Ship had a long-standing history, having been owned for many years by the nearby Tolly Cobbold brewery.
It served as a social hub for generations of dock workers and locals, providing a place to unwind after a hard day's work.
Situated away from residential areas and close to the dock front, the pub relied heavily on passing yard workers for its business.
In the 1970s, it gained popularity, becoming a go-to destination in town, known for its pinball machines, darts, and shove ha’penny.
However, as the new millennium approached, sales began to decline, leading to its eventual closure in 2010.
Since 2018, the building has remained vacant, although plans were proposed in 2021 to convert it into four two-storey, two-bedroom flats, along with an outbuilding for another flat and a shared amenity area.
Ipswich Borough Council approved these plans in 2022, but no work has commenced to date.
Auctioneer Golding Auctions highlighted the building's potential for commercial use, conversion into a house of multiple occupancy, or even complete redevelopment.
The site also includes a car park capable of accommodating up to seven vehicles, further enhancing its appeal to prospective buyers.
[From the Ipswich Star, September 9, 2024]
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