THESE are the stunning new buildings set to transform Ipswich Waterfront as scores of millions of pound are set to be pumped into the area.Today developers outlined their plans for the former Cranfields Mill which is to become a business, leisure and arts centre with penthouse-style flats.

By Paul Geater

THESE are the stunning new buildings set to transform Ipswich Waterfront as scores of millions of pound are set to be pumped into the area.

Today developers outlined their plans for the former Cranfields Mill which is to become a business, leisure and arts centre with penthouse-style flats.

But that is only part of the jigsaw.

Next to that site, another developer has submitted plans for a major block of flats and offices.

And new impressions have been released of the Redrow development about to be built on the corner of Coprolite Street and Duke Street.

The new Cranfields development won't be completed for at least five years – work is due to start in 2004.

The 2.5 acre site is seen as vital for the future development of the Waterfront area.

It is at the Stoke Bridge end of the Wet Dock, and is seen as a vital "bridge" between the new Waterfront developments, the town centre, Ipswich Village, and Cardinal Park.

The redevelopment of the area is being overseen by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) in partnership with developers Wharfside Regeneration Ltd.

The aim is to create a centre which is busy both during the day and in the evening – one of the key features of the development will be to provide a permanent home for Dance East.

The Cranfields development will cost a total of £36million – and EEDA hope it will also encourage other developers to look at the area.

The new scheme will be designed by Ipswich-based architect John Lyall and the team undertaking the work includes the Jackson Group and construction giants AMEC.

Near Cranfields, on the site of the former Burton's factory, Status Developments has submitted an application for a new block of flats and offices.

The new building would be very large – but not out of scale with the huge grain silos which already dominate the Waterfront.

Weblink: www.eeda.org.uk