Let’s mark the historic names of the Waterfront

The news of the disposal this week of the Wine Rack, and the plans for it to be completed to provide new homes and commercial space in the Waterfront, are a great boost for the area.

It could indeed provide a catalyst for further re-development in the area, as more sites are snapped up by entrepreneurs who are willing invest and carry on with this great venture.

It is also an opportunity for new owners to choose names which link the the historic docks, wharfes and quays in the area.

Stuart Grimwade, of the Ipswich Maritime Trust, told me the name, Regatta Quay had no historical significance here.

“It is Albion Wharf and that is a much better name,” he said. “We would love to see more of the historic names which link to the past.

“The aim of the trust is to encourage all those involved in the future redevelopment of Ipswich’s historic Waterfront to recognise the importance of the old quay names, and of the need to re-instate them in their rightful locations.” There were plenty of historic names available, he said.

In fact Genesis, the developer of the Stoke Quay housing development have been very keen to know about relevant names for the blocks of the development.

Barnard’s Square too is named after a famous firm of Ipswich boat builders in the Stoke area, he added.

The Ipswich Maritime Trust has its window museum display, about the history of the area, on Albion Wharf.