A revamped area around the New Wolsey Theatre and former Civic Centre is set to be open by April 2018, it has been revealed.

Plans for the Theatre Square overhaul were given the green light in April, with the latest update from Ipswich Borough Council revealing the intention is to have the public facility opened within two years of planning permission being granted.

The revamp will transform the area around the spiral car park and former Civic Centre into a multi-level square, restaurant and car park.

The borough council’s planning committee is this evening set to approve a number of changes including completion of the surface level car park by the end of the year, and changes to a proposed pedestrian bridge linking the theatre with the walkway up to Lady Lane.

The latest borough council report said: “The redevelopment of the area above the spiral car park has the potential to reinvigorate this space and provide a high quality space for the public to enjoy events and the proposed restaurant and for the New Wolsey to expand some of their activities into the space.”

The applicant, Charterhouse Investments LLP, agreed earlier this year to provide £75,000 towards a new crossing. The restaurant aims to provide “a pleasant dining space” and “good views from within the space”. The report added: “Overall the proposal for the new open space is effective and has great potential to revitalise that area.

“In terms of the larger scheme on that site these proposals are the start of that and with the exception of the bridge should be able to fit into any further development without too many changes.”