A NEW bar will open in Ipswich town centre after the green light for work to create an upmarket wine venue was granted.J P Wines will transform a building in Coachmans Court, near the Old Cattle Market bus station, into an entertainment venue open from midday to midnight seven-days-a-week.

A NEW bar will open in Ipswich town centre after the green light for work to create an upmarket wine venue was granted.

J P Wines will transform a building in Coachmans Court, near the Old Cattle Market bus station, into an entertainment venue open from midday to midnight seven-days-a-week.

The site was previously an estate agents and sits directly opposite Pals Bar and Brasserie.

The go-ahead was given at a borough council planning meeting this week.

A previous planning application for the wine bar was withdrawn in October 2006 following concerns of an increase in anti social behaviour.

The area has been flagged up by police as a “major hot spot” in the town centre for booze-fuelled problems.

Robert Stephenson, of Portman Consultancy, said: “This will be a traditional wine bar in an 'oldie worldie' style but with proper pricing - not £3.50 for a glass of wine.

“Everywhere you go now is expensive but this will sell affordable, good quality wine and will be different to the bars currently on offer in Ipswich.

“It will be looking towards the 25 to 30 plus age range catering for business and pre-restaurant clientele.

“There are a lot of restaurants within walking distance of this location.”

“It is a decent location and can be policed more easily because it is in an area where other establishments are.”

Once work is finished the bar will be able to cater for up to 50 people.

n. Is there call for a traditional wine bar in Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk