A MAJOR new development featuring 190 homes, a hotel and health club is being lined up for Ipswich Waterfront, The Evening Star can reveal today.

Neil Puffett

A MAJOR new development featuring 190 homes, a hotel and health club is being lined up for Ipswich Waterfront, The Evening Star can reveal today.

Despite the effects of the credit crunch developers London Provincial and Overseas Limited are showing confidence in the future of the town by bidding to get approval for the ambitious scheme - called Ransomes Wharf.

The high-spec buildings would be constructed on the former Ransomes site between Neptune Marina and the planned University College Suffolk complex.

Two residential towers will be located to the western quayside edge of the site while a third tower, a four-star hotel, will be situated to the eastern side of the site adjacent to the health club.

The lower floors of the blocks are being earmarked for commercial and retail units.

Emphasis is also being placed on a substantial amount of public open space in the centre of the development.

Parking will be provided by two basement levels delivering 400 spaces plus bicycle and motor bike storage.

Liz Harsant, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said she is happy with the ongoing regeneration of the Waterfront although is keen for future developments to take into account people already living in the area.

She said: “Representing the residents of Holywells, in particular those who live in Neptune Marina, I'm concerned about the height of the proposals.

“I believe it is going to cut out a lot of their light and I know several of them will be objecting to the proposals.

“It may be a good idea for the developer to try to meet with the objectors to see if a reasonable compromise can be reached.”

The scheme is a revision of an earlier application made in 2005 that has been altered following concerns about the height and layout of the design.

Original designs were for a single large square structure with a central courtyard feature with part of the development some 16 storeys high featuring more than 300 apartments.

The revised proposals will see the highest part of the complex three storeys lower as well as a big reduction in the number of apartments.