Striking new images are being unveiled of a major development proposed for the heart of Ipswich which could see restaurants, a hotel and a tower block built opposite Cardinal Park.

Ipswich Star: The vision for the site, opposite Cardinal Park, is being unveiled by developers. Picture: MOUNTFORD PIGOTT ARCHITECTSThe vision for the site, opposite Cardinal Park, is being unveiled by developers. Picture: MOUNTFORD PIGOTT ARCHITECTS (Image: Archant)

Suffolk-based developers Plutus have outlined their vision for Bankside, a site earmarked for redevelopment in Grafton Way, in a series of artist’s impressions.

Up to 130 houses, 81 flats in a 12 storey tower, six restaurants and a 60-bed hotel could be built on land opposite Cardinal Park, which boasts its own array of restaurants alongside Cineworld, if the proposals are given the green light.

The development – which would also include a gym, a new pedestrian walkway and a cycle way – will go before Ipswich council planners in due course.

Leader of the council, David Ellesmere, said the planning committee will need to look into the development in more detail.

But he added: “I do think it is positive that the plans have been put forward, if it is approved then it has got the potential to lift that whole area.

“It would be good to see what is a fairly derelict area being regenerated after Tesco pulled out of their previous development.”

Ipswich Star: Ipswich council leader David Ellesmere thinks it is positive that the plans have been put forward. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNIpswich council leader David Ellesmere thinks it is positive that the plans have been put forward. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

The Grafton Way site, located next to Stoke Bridge, was once earmarked for a new superstore by the retail giant – but chiefs pulled out in 2013 despite being given planning permission.

Plutus bosses say Bankside would provide an important link between the railway station and the already thriving Waterfront.

Communal garden areas would line the riverbank, they added.

Ipswich Star: The site where the Bankside development could be built. Picture: GREGG BROWNThe site where the Bankside development could be built. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The chief executive of business improvement district Ipswich Central, Paul Clement, said sensitivities of such an area need to be considered by decision makers.

He added: “This is an important site which also has the potential to unlock riverside walks.

“We support development, but only if the sensitivities and opportunities of the riverside location are prioritised.”

Ipswich Star: The site where the Bankside development could be built. Picture: GREGG BROWNThe site where the Bankside development could be built. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The proposed site would also include landscaping, car parking and 48 live and work units.

There would also be an opportunity for restaurants to have outdoor seating, the developers said. Flats in the 12-storey block would benefit from river views, they added, while other parts of the site would look out onto Grafton Way.

Developers have submitted an application for planning permission which will soon be considered by Ipswich council.

Ipswich Star: A previous exhibition at the Novotel in Ipswich in 2017 had outlined the initial proposals for the Grafton Way site proposed by Plutus. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN/PLUTUSA previous exhibition at the Novotel in Ipswich in 2017 had outlined the initial proposals for the Grafton Way site proposed by Plutus. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN/PLUTUS