TODAY it is a patch of wasteground but the future could see a recreation of the magic of Guernsey with Ipswich's very own St Peter Port.Ambitious developers are hoping to recreate some of the magic of the famous St Peter Port within Ipswich's ever-changing Waterfront area.
TODAY it is a patch of wasteground but the future could see a recreation of the magic of Guernsey with Ipswich's very own St Peter Port.
Ambitious developers are hoping to recreate some of the magic of the famous St Peter Port within Ipswich's ever-changing Waterfront area.
The developers are preparing to transform the derelict site on Star Lane into an impressive commercial and residential complex have called their development St Peter's Port.
No doubt named after the neighbouring 14th century St Peter's Church, the development could become Ipswich's own St Peter Port within reach of the Haven marina.
Chartered surveyors Gilbert Bath say the proposal is for a "landmark site of regional importance" within the Waterfront regeneration area which will include retail and leisure facilities as well as hotel accommodation.
There are also plans for residential apartments and a public car park.
The development will sit on land bordered by Star Lane, Foundation Street, College Street and St Peter's Church.
It is being designed by prominent UK architect Piers Gough who is famous for his designs of post-modern buildings in London's Docklands a controversial skyscraper development in Brighton.
Currently the land is overgrown by weeds and taped off from the public.
In stark contrast St Peter Port is the picturesque capital and main port for Guernsey.
It has a marina filled with pleasure craft and fishing boats and is a favourite holiday destination.
Planners behind the Waterfront regeneration can only hope that one day Ipswich's former industrial wet dock could be transformed into a recreation and residential hub on that scale.
Richard Digard, editor of The Guernsey Press, said if the developers were aiming to create a piece of the Guernsey capital in Ipswich it would be seen as a complement.
He said: "I think it's lovely.
"If they are trying to replicate St Peter Port it's a great complement to the island.
"They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
News of the St Peter's Port development comes just six weeks after a group of investment companies led by London-based Stephen Kane and Company unveiled their plans to transform the Duke Street car park into a massive hotel, retail and residential complex.
Plans for that development even incorporated a casino and four-screen cinema.
It would also be sited directly opposite Star Lane from the 23-storey Cranfield Mill housing redevelopment, which was approved in July.
Gilbert Bath was unavailable for comment today.
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