MEMBERS of the public are today invited to give their views on a multi-million pound regeneration project in Ipswich town centre.

MEMBERS of the public are today invited to give their views on a multi-million pound regeneration project in Ipswich town centre.

The planning application for the redevelopment of the former B&Q site at Grafton Way was submitted to the Ipswich Borough Council yesterdayby Spenhill Regeneration, a subsidiary of Tesco, and the consultation has now opened for people to have their say on it.

The mixed use development proposed comprises a Tesco store, retail or restaurant and cafe units, leisure activities, and 112 residential units.

There is also a proposal for two hotels, with 247 rooms, 674 short-stay shopper car parking spaces, a pedestrian walkway and a new public plaza.

A spokesman for Spenhill added that there would be “significant investment in transport and traffic” in that area.

The site was closed in September 2006 and has remained vacant since then. Spenhill bought the site earlier this year.

In October this year members of the public were invited to look at a display of the plans and following their responses a planning application has been submitted. The initial feedback received was positive.

It is expected the application will be discussed by council members in the Spring. If approved, work on the development may not start until 2011 or 2012.

The plans can be viewed at the One Ipswich customer hall, at the Town Hall, or by visiting the council's website at www.ipswich.gov.uk. The expiry date for applications is January 1, 2009.

What do you think of the proposals? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.