Homes plan at derelict airport

IT MIGHT require a bit of imagination, but this could soon be one of the most desireable addresses in east Ipswich!

The former terminal building at Ipswich Airport is to be turned into luxury flats and a community centre as part of the Ravenswood development.

A total of 24 homes are to be created in the 1930s listed building – and some of the original features will have to be retained.

But at present it is a shadow of its former self – or its future importance after developers Ashwell Property have completed their work – as the building lies forlorn waiting for the workment to move in.

Ravenswood project officer John Stebbings showed us around, and some of the sights are quite arresting.

The former control tower – the hub of the airport when it was operating until 1996 – is almost unrecognisable.

But once the dark cover of the windows is removed, this will be a wonderful room with fantastic views over the entire community.

On the ground floor the airport lounge – later the popular Pitts Bar – has also become a victim of the passage of time.

This is another part of the terminal building that is likely to be turned into flats – the new owner is unlikely to want the large bar!

Parts of the building have to be retained because of the conditions of its listing.

"One thing that has to be retained is the old control tower. That will be incorporated as a feature of one of the flats and should make that a very attractive home.

"The terminal building itself will become flats, and the squash courts will be converted into a community centre for Ravenswood," Mr Stebbings said.

By the end of last month 341 homes had been occupied on the Ravenswood estate – a third of the total of 1,000 planned for the new community.

According to legal clauses drawn up when housebuilders Bellway were chosen as Ipswich Council's development partners, work in refurbishing the terminal has to start before the 501st home is occupied.