Lakeland to close flagship Ancient House store in Ipswich's Buttermarket

Kitchenware chain Lakeland is to close its flagship store in Ipswich at the beginning of next year.

The store, which is in the Buttermarket's Ancient House, is due to close in January along with branches in Cardiff and Eps. Stores in Surrey and Perth will also close in February and May respectively.

The company said the decision, which will see around 40 jobs lost, was made 'with regret'.

It said: "The experience our customers receive in our retail stores remains integral to our ethos to deliver exceptional customer service and wherever there are opportunities to trade profitably, we will seek to agree, renew and extend leases with landlords."

Ancient House dates back to the 15th century and is now owned by Ipswich Borough Council.

A spokesman from the council said: "We’re disappointed to be losing a good tenant, but this is a decision made by Lakeland as part of a national review of stores due to market conditions.

"We are hopeful of securing a new tenant for the Ancient House in 2021."

Read more: All the latest news from Suffolk

Read more: All the latest news from Ipswich