Changing times at the Waterfront

Boutique shop owner Lynne Turner feels there are more changes on the way at Ipswich Waterfront.

Lynne has been running her fashion - clothes, jewellery and accessories shop, Cake and Catwalk within the Dance East building on the quayside for the past five years.

Development in the area has halted during the recession, she said.

“It has been very disappoining.

“I have known the docks for all my life. My uncles worked down here, and it has been very exciting working down here.

“What has happened so far is lovely.

“But nothing has really changed much for the past four years,

“The Waterfront business owners, ABP the port operators who own most of the land and Ipswich Borough Council are keen to see more changes I know.

“We need to move things forward after the past few years.

“As Waterfront business owners we are very keen.

“The ownership of sites is very varied, a patchwork. But it would be nice to get the entrance (by Stoke Bridge) sorted out at last.

“Perhaps Suffolk County Council, the highway authority could get involved too.

“After all it is also a public highway that is vital for a working port and docks.

“We have a lot of people who live here, on their boats, as well as those who visit from places like Holland and Germany, and from Essex.

“These customers say how much they enjoy coming here, and love Ipswich.

“I supposed I am an unoffical tourist information centre - I recommended shops and restaurants they can try when they are here.”

The Waterfront had a lovely atmosphere, she said, with the tourist boats such as the Orwell Lady and the beautiful sailing barges.

“The businesses that are already here work so hard. Aidan at Isaacs does great keeping it busy all through the year.

“I love the Cult Bar too, that is a brilliant addition. It takes people down to Orwell Quay.

“The Dance East house is busier too and hopefully that will contine to grow, with more events, not just dance (which I love).

“It would be nice to have some live music in the cafe on Thursday and Friday evenings too,”

There were lots of rumours bubbling under about new people taking on sites to invest in the Waterfront, she said, as well as those already announced.

“They will be welcome, but we don’t just need apartments.

“I would like to see some workshops with crafts people and artisans making things.

“Generally there are simple things that can be done to improve the area.

“I would like to see all the old quays names on display and lighting all the way along and joined up for nights when people are visiting.

“Things have stood still for quite a long time.

“I would like to see some major changes.

“I am quite excited about hearing plans for people investing in this part of Ipswich.”