Town Topics with Ipswich Chamber of Commerce

We are all very aware that coming out of an economic recession brings a brighter future for our town and for its economy.

It also means, as it does for many towns up and down the UK, that questions are asked about any developments which have stalled or not progressed as many of us would like.

That is why as a Chamber we were delighted to welcome over 70 local business representatives to a lunch recently to hear about the future of the “Winerack” – the iconic frame of unfinished apartments on the Ipswich waterfront.

We were encouraged that John Howard, of Ipswich Wharf Developments Ltd, took the opportunity to lay to rest many rumours that have circulated since the building work stopped in December 2009 when the previous developer, City Living, went into administration.

Giving an update on the progress made so far, Mr Howard informed local businesses that Ipswich Borough Council has now granted retrospective planning approval on the top two floors to build 70 of the 149 one, two and three bedroom apartments and luxury penthouse suites.

Work on the top two floors is due to start in October 2015 and hopes to be completed in 12-15 months.

The ground floor will be available for commercial opportunities including office space and an impressive car park stacker system for 264 vehicles will also form part of the development.

It is a landmark building on the Ipswich Waterfront that will bring in significant investment and we are encouraged that the developers want to work closely with local businesses throughout its construction to help support the local economy.

For local businesses to be able to work together to bring this construction to fruition will be a real achievement for Ipswich and the wider Suffolk community.

Names for the block of executive apartments were shared at the event, and members of Ipswich Chamber of Commerce were also encouraged to pass on their own suggestions.

Questions were raised about the development of the wider Ipswich Waterfront area and businesses were reassured that plans were being discussed to improve its links to the town centre.

Dave Muller

Chair

Ipswich Chamber of Commerce