FIRM proposals for a major new shopping area in Ipswich will be submitted to town chiefs before the end of the month, it emerged today.

FIRM proposals for a major new shopping area in Ipswich will be submitted to town chiefs before the end of the month, it emerged today.

Developers Turnstone are hoping to redevelop Ipswich's former Civic Centre site, building a massive supermarket as well as landscaped walkways, a restaurant and large public space.

Following a public consultation, launched in July, Turnstone is putting the final touches to the planning application that is set to be submitted in the next few weeks.

It is as yet unclear what changes, if any, will be made to the initial plans.

Meanwhile demolition of the old Civic Centre site is also progressing.

Nick Scott, director at Turnstone Estates, said: “The scheme is at a very exciting stage.

“With demolition of the former Civic Centre progressing, it is possible to start to visualise how the future Westgate Centre will look.

“Following the public consultation period we have been finalising our plans and aim to submit a planning application to Ipswich Borough Council in the next couple of weeks.”

Demolition work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Turnstone is understood to have been in discussions with Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda about the site's 38,000 sq ft anchor store.

The revamped estate is also likely to include restaurants, bars and other leisure facilities.

Will you be in favour of the application? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

The tower block is now fully scaffolded and encased in sheeting and a hoist has been constructed on one side of the scaffolding.

Approximately 3,500 tonnes of hardcore/rubble has been removed from the site since demolition began in May.

The concrete plant room, on the roof of the tower, which contained water tanks has been demolished.

The paternoster lift machinery and window cleaning car and crane, has been removed.

The removal of the 600mm thick roof is almost complete.

The rear annex, along Black Horse Lane has been demolished.

Demolition of the 12th floor, the top floor of the tower block, is due to commence shortly.

Demolition is being carried out on site using many high-tech pieces of machinery including a remote controlled Demolition Brokk, chosen for its small size and great strength.