Ipswich landmarks that have stood the test of time

Here are the buildings that have stood the test of time and become part of the furniture.

The Willis Building

Work started on the Willis building in 1973 (Image: David Kindred)

The Willis building celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

It started after Willis Faber and Dumas decided in 1970 that it should move its admin departments to Ipswich from Southend and London.

The Willis Building (Image: Newsquest)

It was designed by Sir Norman Foster, who then went on to design the main terminal at Stansted Airport, the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia, and the Gherkin building in London.

Hollywood's/The Maltings

Hollywood's in 1993 (Image: Newsquest)

Many of our readers will remember the Maltings building as Hollywood's, one of Ipswich's best nightclubs back in the day.

Although Hollywood's has long closed and any remnants of a nightclub are invisible now, the building itself has stood the test of time.

The Maltings buildings, where Hollywood's was (Image: Google Maps)

Opening in 1988, the club shifted from Hollywood's to Kartouche, and then Zest, before it closed and became offices.

The Town Hall

The Town Hall in 1979 (Image: Newsquest)

Arguably, the Town Hall is obviously part of the furniture, but the Cornhill has changed and developed around it.

The Town Hall in 2026 (Image: Newsquest)

From developing it into a pedestrian area, to adding sprinklers and the portal, the Town Hall is a fond reminder that you're home.

The Gaumont/Regent

Beatles fans excitedly queuing outside the Gaumont (Image: Newsquest)

If I mention The Regent to anyone over the age of 60, the chances are that they will still refer to it as The Gaumont.

Those theatre walls have seen many famous faces, including The Beatles, The Bay City Rollers, The Stranglers and Ozzy Osbourne.

The Regent Theatre (Image: Newsquest)

Times have changed and the theatre has since been refurbished several times, but great acts still add Ipswich to the bill.

READ MORE: How Ipswich shopping centres have changed over the years

Isaacs

A view of Wherry Quay and Isaacs (Image: Newsquest)

Isaacs has been long-standing on the waterfront, but not always as the pub we know and love.

It was originally made up of medieval and Tudor period buildings, including the merchant's house in Fore Street.

Isaacs in recent years (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Isaac-Lord bought the site and used it as a base for his business trading bulk goods, specifically coal and corn.