Plans to breathe new life into waterfront

Plans to breathe fresh life into a town's waterfront with new homes, shops and leisure opportunities are moving forward.

Ipswich Borough Council plans to redevelop the area to help "bring additional activity throughout the day and evening", it said.

Now, the council has announced its development partners for the western gateway to the waterfront project, which include Drees & Sommer and Capital & Centric.

Leader of the council, Neil MacDonald, said its "experts" would "carefully consider both the waterfront's rich heritage and the vision of its future".

"This is a great moment for Ipswich's waterfront, and the whole area, as part of our ambition for a thriving town," he said.

MacDonald added: "This is a great boost for existing businesses and the local economy of the town. I look forward to seeing the detailed plans taking shape."

According to the council, the plans will retain and repurpose the former Paul's silo building as well as the adjacent former Burton Son and Sanders building.

The silo building dates from 1951 and was built on the site of an earlier oil cake mill.

It had been used for grain storage and was adjoined to a Grade II listed St Peter's Warehouse, but that building was destroyed in a fire in 2000 and then demolished.

The area currently being used as the St Peter's Dock car park will be redeveloped, and it is envisaged that a vibrant green space will sit at the heart of the development.

Mike Soffe from Drees & Sommer said they were "excited" to work on the plans, while Martin Crews from Capital & Centric added they were looking forward to bringing the Paul's silo building back to life.

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