IPSWICH Waterfront's skyline is set to change dramatically between now and the end of the year as the Cardinal Lofts building finally takes shape.The first glass panes have been delivered to the site and installation is due to start within the next few days.

IPSWICH Waterfront's skyline is set to change dramatically between now and the end of the year as the Cardinal Lofts building finally takes shape.

The first glass panes have been delivered to the site and installation is due to start within the next few days.

The glazing should be completed by the end of the month, allowing final fitting out to start in January and the building is due to be completed and open by the end of July.

Maxwell Hembury, from developers Braceforce Ltd, said all the work was on schedule - and the look of the site should alter dramatically between now and Christmas.

He said: “We are now starting to fit the glass - by the end of the week you should see a big difference on one of the elevations.

“Everything should be completed by the end of the year allowing us to start fitting out after January 7 next year.”

Cardinal Lofts will include a large health club and dozens of flats which have all been sold.

Once it is completed, Braceforce will concentrate on its next projects in the area.

Batholomew Wharf - named after Suffolk-born explorer Batholomew Gosnold, founder of the state of Virginia, will be a smaller development just to the west of Cardinal Lofts.

Mr Hembury said its style would be a total contrast to the futurist look of its neighbours - having a similar look to the old Victorian warehouses elsewhere on the Waterfront.

And the company is currently amending its proposals to build three hotels on the former Burton's site between College Street and Star Lane.

Mr Hembury said: “We hope to give more details on that at the end of the year - but it is a very exciting development for the town.”