Flat boom set to continue

THE LUXURY flats boom is set to spread to another Ipswich town centre site.

Hot on the heels of the flashy Neptune Quay development is another posh housing plan for nearby Fore Hamlet.

A spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council said the scheme was yet another sign of continuing confidence in the town's economy.

He said: "This is an important part of the waterfront regeneration area and shows there is a great amount of confidence among developers in the Ipswich economy.

"This scheme will enhance an area already being transformed by the exciting Redrow development, Mortimer's restaurant and the Neptune Quay development further along."

Developers Western Group are putting the final touches to the sale and plan a demolition of the current Trinity Tyres firm within days.

The developer plans to build a block of 40 mainly one- and two-bedroom luxury flats and some three-bedroom apartments.

Some affordable housing is also being included in the scheme.

Peter Gurr, development director of Western Group, said: "The start of work on the flats is imminent.

"We have got planning permission and we are looking to finish by next summer."

But the sale from Cromwell Estates to Western Group will leave tenant Trinity Tyres – which has been at the site for 11 years - with no option but to move.

Owner Leo Hayman is planning to temporarily move to Plough Street, before finding somewhere permanent nearer Ipswich's town centre – but he is distressed at the inconvenience.

He said: "I will be using a place in Plough Street for two to three months but I am applying for planning permission for a place nearer the town centre.

"Hopefully when the customers know where we move to, they will still come.

"But I will be losing a lot of custom and also big contracts because I won't be able to do any MOTs until I move to permanent premises.

"It is probably going to cost me about £15,000 to £20,000.

"But I am looking forward to the future and hope that in the New Year I will be on the high street."