WATERFRONT: One in eleven properties across the Waterfront’s three electoral wards are sitting empty, it can be revealed today.

Figures released by Ipswich Borough Council show that of the 12,398 properties across the Alexandra, Bridge and Holywells wards – which make up the town’s Waterfront and its surrounding area – more than 1,070 properties remain vacant.

That figure equates to around eight per cent of properties.

However, in June 2009, figures revealed 12,328 Waterfront properties - more than ten per cent - were empty – two per cent more than 12 months later.

Across Ipswich as a whole the number of empty homes stands at 5.13pc – 3,007 out of a total of 58,125 domestic properties.

James Young, Waterfront manager for Ipswich Borough Council told The Evening Star that the figures were a boost for the area.

He said that the drop in empty properties showed that the area was still bringing people to the town.

“This is a good example of how attractive Ipswich Waterfront is to live, work and socialise in,” Mr Young said.

“Amazingly rapid progress has been made at the Waterfront in recent years and it is an extremely aspirational area of Ipswich.

“Progress can only continue with businesses, residents and agencies working together – that is our aim.”

Earlier this year, the Star reported on a number of set-backs which had struck the Waterfront.

Among them was news of the collapse of the firms behind the Regatta Quay build and the iconic Mill development.

n Are you a Waterfront resident? Do you think the area can recover from the recent blows of recession? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk