DEVELOPERS of the biggest regeneration project on the waterfront have announced today that work will finally start, dramatically changing the skyline of Ipswich.

DEVELOPERS of the biggest regeneration project on the waterfront have announced today that work will finally start, dramatically changing the skyline of Ipswich.

After a hold-up of almost nine months Wharfside Regeneration will start demolition work on the former Cranfield's Mill site within the next fortnight.

The £70million development had been given planning permission in July last year but was put on hold until final permission over community benefits came from the Ipswich Borough Council and the East of England Development Agency.

The new construction will include a 23-storey tower, 330 apartments, the Dance East studios, an 80-bedroom hotel and restaurants and bars.

Brian Tanner, partner at Wharfside Regeneration, said: "It has certainly taken us a lot longer then we hoped it would and has been nine months for us to get the go-ahead.

"Originally we thought demolition work could start at the beginning of the year but these things take as long as they need to.

"At least we have already done all of the archaeological work that needs to be done so demolition work can start straight away now."

Within three months of demolition starting the main silo of the existing mill will be brought down.

Around 60 per cent of the site will be brought down in total and the process is expected to take five months to complete.

Construction of the new 41,805 square metre site, which is the East of England Development Agency's largest urban regeneration project in Ipswich, will take a further two years.

Mr Tanner said: "There will be a great deal of the original building removed which will dramatically change the waterfront.

"I am sure people are excited about getting work started on this part of the waterfront and we are very happy to be able to start transforming the plans into a reality."