Ipswich: A new sports area for the students and the wider community could be created between the UCS James Hehir building and Orwell Quay.

Now officials at the Waterfront Action Group are asking local residents what they would like to see at the site.

It was used as the site for the Ipswich Beer Festival during last year’s maritime festival – but most of the time it is currently unused.

The land is owned by UCS and it has asked the Waterfront Action Group to carry out a survey on the land’s future use.

The suggestion is that it would turned into an outdoor sport and recreation ground for students and the local community. One of the questions that would have to be decided is whether it should be locked at night.

It is the other side of the James Hehir building from Shed Eight, which UCS announced it had bought last week. That site is expected to used for the development of new university buildings including academic uses and, possibly, a conference centre.

The ground floor may include shops and cafes or bars.

The Star understands that UCS officials are keen that the land on the other side of the James Hehir building should be left open for outdoor use.

They are keen to ensure that the Waterfront is not over-developed.

Bosses at UCS want to ensure that the Waterfront retains a “human scale” and feel it is necessary to have space for youngsters in particular to let off steam in the heart of a vibrant area.

The survey will ask people what outdoor facilities they would like to see – possibly including a tennis court, a basketball court, a beach volleyball court, and a children’s playground.

People have until Saturday to reply to the online survey, which can be accessed at www.ipswichwaterfrontsurveys.co.uk

n What sports facilities would you like to see on the site between the James Hehir building and Orwell Quay? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or alternatively you can e-mail star letters@archant.co.uk