Ipswich City Council CEO Sean Madigan said the appointment of Mr Chemello was an “opportunity for us to look forward as an organisation”.

Ipswich residents will have to pay a special $55 levy to fund infrastructure in the July 1 budget as construction costs for the booming city soar far ahead of state government funding.

It was also the highest council tax rate of any district council in England. It also means council tax in Ipswich has more than doubled from £159.75 in 1997, when current records began.

Labour-controlled Ipswich Borough Council said the building's owner, Unex, had rejected several applications from "well-known retailers" to take over the site. Unex has been approached for comment.

Ipswich council leader Neil MacDonald has spoken of his hopes that the authority will get government support to build more social housing.