Waterfront pub set for new lease of life

IPSWICH'S oldest pub could be set for a new lease of life as an up-market restaurant in the heart of the town's Waterfront area.

But time is set to be called on another pub in the Stoke area with Ipswich council due to discuss whether to allow the demolition of the old Live and Let Live in Wherstead Road.

A planning application has been lodged to turn the Old Bell pub beside Stoke Bridge into a restaurant catering for the new residents of Waterfront homes.

The application also seeks permission to build a separate two-storey annex behind the restaurant to provide accommodation to people who want to stay overnight after eating there.

The Old Bell dates from the 16th century and is in one of the oldest parts of Ipswich,

It has suffered in the past from being on one of the busiest junctions in the town - but with the development of the Waterfront expected to make the area attractive for high-earning professional people, the building could be set for an attractive new era.

The application has been made by Chelmsford-based property developers Strulestone Ltd with the changes being designed by Dunmow architects Andrew Stevenson Associates.

The proposals are expected to be discussed by Ipswich council planners during the early autumn - and any changes are likely to be closely scrutinised.

John Norman from the Ipswich Society said it would be keeping a close eye on the application.

He said: “We would certainly welcome more restaurants in the Waterfront area, but that is a building that we have had concerns about in the past.

“We have not seen the application yet, but would need to be sure the structure of the historic building was not damaged.”

While the future of the Old Bell seems secure, the end could be in site for the Live and Let Live a short distance down Wherstead Road.

Planners are to consider an application to demolish the building and replace it with eight houses and six flats on the site. The pub has been closed for some time.