Ipswich shop units, containing Waterstones, Superdrug, Fat Face and more purchased by Evolve Estates

Multiple shops in the heart of a town centre, including Waterstones, Superdrug, and Fat Face, have new owners after their lots were bought by a property firm.

London-based Evolve Estates purchased five units, comprising six shops, in Tavern Street and Buttermarket, Ipswich, from former owners Columbia Threadneedle Investments for an undisclosed sum.

Located near both Sailmakers and the Buttermarket shopping centres, the firm hopes the shops will continue to see high footfall in the busy town centre.

As part of the agreement, the buildings containing Flying Tiger, Vision Express and Patisserie Valerie, are also now owned by the company.

This is its second major push into the town centre, with the firm already owning the Eastgate Centre, which houses Sports Direct – with Game inside it – Specsavers, Card Factory, Ipswich Microshops and others.

Phil Murphy, head of asset management at Evolve Estates, said: “Our team will be examining available options and we look forward to delivering on our promises to improve and invest for the benefit of local shoppers.”