A major gateway to Ipswich’s waterfront is set for transformation through a new regeneration scheme.
Ipswich Borough Council has confirmed Drees & Sommer as the multi-disciplinary consultant for the Western Gateway project, a scheme aimed at revitalising the western gateway to the waterfront with new homes, commercial space and leisure facilities overlooking the marina.
The site includes the St Peter’s Dock car park, the Paul’s Silo structure and the adjacent former Burton Son and Sanders building.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "This is a great moment for Ipswich’s waterfront, and the whole area, as part of our ambition for a thriving town.
"I am really pleased that we will be in partnership with a team of experts who will carefully consider both the waterfront’s rich heritage and the vision of its future, invigorating a part of the town that people will want to move to and enjoy, overlooking the water."
The scheme will combine new housing, workspace, leisure, and hospitality spaces in a mixed-use development.
A central green space is proposed as part of the scheme, offering a communal area for socialising and community events.
The development aims to increase footfall and stimulate economic activity throughout the day and into the evening.
Consultants for Drees & Sommer have contracted sub-consultants including Capital and Centric as developer.
Mike Soffe of Drees & Sommer said: "We are excited to be working with Ipswich Borough Council and Capital & Centric to bring forward such an exciting regeneration project which will have a huge impact on the Ipswich waterfront."
Cllr Michael Hadwen, leader of Suffolk County Council, added: "I’m delighted to be able to sign off the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders funding contribution to this exciting project which will complete the regeneration of the western gateway to Ipswich waterfront and serve to facilitate improved visibility of the historic Wolsey’s Gate.
"The appointed developers are set to bring vital experience and energy to Ipswich and I look forward to seeing the plans develop through to delivery."
Further details and public engagement opportunities will be announced as the project progresses.
The history of the area
Martin Crews, development director at Capital & Centric, described Paul’s Silo as "one of those buildings that stops you in your tracks.
"It's a proper landmark with huge potential and we're excited to be working with Ipswich Borough Council and Drees and Sommer to bring it back to life."
The Paul Silo building is unlisted and dates from 1951, having been built on the site of an earlier oil cake mill following the purchase of the site by R & W Paul in 1946.
The building was joined to an eighteenth-century Grade II listed St Peter’s Warehouse before this building was destroyed by fire in 2000 and subsequently demolished, leaving only the lower part of the east and north walls standing.
The land is now being used as the St. Peter's Dock surface car park.
The buildings beside the silo had been the home of the confectionery and baking suppliers Burton Son and Sanders from at least 1851 to 1993, with the currently unused concrete frame building being used as a factory.
The brick building beside the former factory was a warehouse and is now the home of the Marinero Lounge, which opened in July 2025.
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