There is renewed hope for one of west Suffolk's landmark buildings as a leader has said a council is exploring options to step in and save it.

Haverhill Corn Exchange, in Withersfield Road, was last used as a community hall and was granted permission to become a restaurant or bar in 2007. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Haverhill Corn Exchange in Withersfield RoadHaverhill Corn Exchange in Withersfield Road (Image: Google maps)

However, it has been derelict for more than a decade and during a West Suffolk Council meeting on Tuesday, February 20, Joe Mason, who represents Haverhill North, said: "The Corn Exchange in Haverhill is rotting.

"District councils have a responsibility to look after grade listed buildings.

"I mentioned it at a meeting in the Epicentre, which was an excellent meeting and I thoroughly appreciated your time and effort, but I am going to ask you again for the people of Haverhill - could you please consider saving the Corn Exchange as a historic building?

East Anglian Daily Times: Cllr Joe MasonCllr Joe Mason (Image: WSC)

"We have few in Haverhill and the people of Haverhill would greatly appreciate it." 

Responding to councillor Mason, Cliff Waterman, leader of the council, said: "I agree with you - it is a building that should be saved.

"We need to find a business case to make it work. Our officers are working on that.

"I can't say anything at this moment but a new idea was proposed a couple of weeks ago. If we can save it, we will save it.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cllr Cliff WatermanCllr Cliff Waterman (Image: WSC)

"I agree with you that Haverhill is a town that deserves lots of love and attention and possibly over the last few years it hadn't had it," he added.

The iconic building is around 2,300 sq ft with a 700 sq ft basement, and boasts a ceiling height of 30 ft. 

In 2017, then-St Edmundsbury Borough Council stepped in to prevent the Corn Exchange from falling into further disrepair with an urgent works notice served to the owners.