Ipswich has a new landmark on its skyline as work to complete the Winerack on the Waterfront steps up a gear.

Ipswich Star: The view from the top of the Winerack as construction work starts. Picture: RG CARTERThe view from the top of the Winerack as construction work starts. Picture: RG CARTER (Image: Archant)

One of the largest mobile cranes in Europe has moved into place as contractors R G Carter carry on putting up scaffolding to cover the building before it can be finished off.

The crane moved in over the weekend and is expected to start lifting the scaffolding into position soon as work on the unfinished skeleton which has been a feature of the town’s skyline for a decade moves up a gear.

It will also be used to put up a tower crane which will be at the site for several months as work progresses on the project.

R G Carter director and general manager James Wilson said: “Work on the site is progressing well, and the 500 tonne mobile crane, which helps erect the tower crane, will be in place in the next few days.

Ipswich Star: The huge crane has arrived at the Winerack in Ipswich. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe huge crane has arrived at the Winerack in Ipswich. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“This will enable us to put in place more scaffolding and continue the development of the project.”

The Winerack is being completed for Ipswich property developer John Howard who has battled for years to get a deal to allow the work to start.

When complete at the end of 2020 the building will have 149 flats and 5,000 square feet of business space – providing about 56 jobs.

The first homes in the Winerack – Mr Howard decided to retain the name after the description became so popular around the town – are expected to be ready for occupation next year.

The building was left as a skeleton after the original developers City Living fell into administration at the height of the property crash – leaving the building as a symbol of the recession over Ipswich Waterfront.

As work started contractors from R G Carter took a picture from the roof of the building over the Waterfront during the glorious Bank Holiday weekend.

Once the Winerack is complete, it will represent the completion of the redevelopment of the former Paul’s Malting site on the Waterfront – although its specialist grain silo remains in place at the Stoke Bridge end of the Waterfront waiting for a new use.