A SECOND phase of the project to revamp Ipswich's former Civic Centre site could see the size of the development double, it emerged today.

A SECOND phase of the project to revamp Ipswich's former Civic Centre site could see the size of the development double, it emerged today.

Developers Turnstone have already drawn up plans to build the Westgate Centre, featuring a supermarket, restaurant, bars and shops, on the site of the former council offices off Civic Drive.

The Evening Star has now learned that Turnstone have been in talks about buying a large patch of land immediately to the south of the site.

The land is currently home to Ipswich police station, the town's magistrates' court, the former crown court building and around a dozen housing association homes.

Nick Scott, director at Turnstone, said: “We would be interested in buying the land and have been in talks about it.

“It could be the second phase of the development but would be in the longer term.”

It is understood Suffolk police are looking to move from their outdated Elm Street base in Ipswich while the town's magistrates' court is likely to move to a new building next to the crown court over the next few years.

Should the police and magistrates' court move, Turnstone would look to buy adjoining housing association land off Black Horse Lane.

This would free up a patch of land roughly equivalent to the Civic Centre site which they bought last year for £8.15million.

Initial plans for the first phase of the Westgate Centre were unveiled for the first time on Wednesday as part of a public consultation.

Featuring a massive supermarket as well as landscaped walkways, a restaurant and large public space, developers Turnstone hope to get feedback on the scheme prior to applying for planning permission.

Turnstone is understood to be in discussions with Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda about the site's 38,000 sq ft anchor store.

They are hoping to apply for planning permission by the middle of August.