COULD it be Jamie, could it be F-word Gordon Ramsey or could it even be Delia?It seems a mystery celebrity chef has whipped up some interest about moving into an impressive new building on the Waterfront in Ipswich.
COULD it be Jamie, could it be F-word Gordon Ramsey or could it even be Delia?
It seems a mystery celebrity chef has whipped up some interest about moving into an impressive new building on the Waterfront in Ipswich.
A number of enquiries have been made about the building, known as the Marquee Restaurant which is described as having a unique marquee tented roof with glass panelling providing a panoramic view of the quayside.
Simon Jackaman of Christie & Co, the firm marketing the building said: “He said: “The unit has already generated considerable interest from independent local operators through to national brands and TV chefs.”
But who could the TV chefs be? Perhaps Jamie Oliver fancies moving near to his good mate Jimmy Doherty of Jimmy's Farm fame or will Delia spurn her Norwich allegiance and open up a new restaurant in the town of the Canaries arch rivals?
No decisions have yet been made into how the building will be used and discussions are still ongoing, with suggestions being made that it could also be used to house exhibitions.
Developer Persimmon is currently working to construct a two-storey building in front of already finished apartments at Orwell Quay.
Spokesman for Persimmon Peter Hutley said the work should be completed by the end of May but as far as the company is concerned it is unclear what the building will be used for.
He said: “We have had interest from companies looking to open a restaurant but there has also been talk of Ipswich Borough Council utilising it on a short-term basis for exhibitions.
“Discussions in relation to its usage on completion are ongoing.”
The 600 square metre building, which will cost well in excess of £500,000 to buy, will be glass-fronted and have a curtain walling system.
The rear of the building will be clad in cedar board to match the exterior of apartment blocks making up the rest of the development.
A large fabric tent structure will cover the top of the new building.
A total of 354 apartments and townhouses have already been built on the Orwell Quay site by Persimmon.
Construction of the apartments was completed early last year.
n. What do you think the building should be used for? Do you think Ipswich should have a celebrity chef restaurant? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
WEBLINKS
www.orwellquay.com
www.persimmonhomes.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here