A multi-disciplinary consultant has been appointed to deliver exciting plans to regenerate the western portion of Ipswich Waterfront.
Ipswich Borough Council has named Drees & Sommer as its new development partner, who will oversee the delivery of plans to bring new homes, shops and leisure spaces to the western gateway.
The area is currently dominated by two abandoned high-rise buildings which were previously home to R&W Paul and Burton Son and Sanders during the waterfront’s industrial heyday.
An initial artist’s impression for the development shows cafes and retail spaces occupying both buildings, alongside another new hospitality space built on the site of the current council-run car park.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “This is a great moment for Ipswich’s waterfront, and the whole area, as part of our ambition for a thriving town.
“I am really pleased that we will be in partnership with a team of experts who will carefully consider both the waterfront’s rich heritage and the vision of its future, invigorating a part of the town that people will want to move to and enjoy, overlooking the water.
“This is a great boost for existing businesses and the local economy of the town.
“I look forward to seeing the detailed plans taking shape.”
Drees & Sommer has contracted a number of sub-consultants to help deliver the project, including Capital&Centric as developer.
The firm has previously delivered transformation projects on overlooked historic buildings across the UK, including in Manchester, Sheffield and Gateshead.
Mike Soffe, from Drees & Sommer, said: “We are excited to be working with Ipswich Borough Council and Capital&Centric to bring forward such an exciting regeneration project which will have a huge impact on the Ipswich waterfront.”
READ MORE: Work to finish Ipswich’s tallest building expected to start this year
Martin Crews, Development Director at Capital&Centric, said: “Paul’s Silo is one of those buildings that stops you in your tracks.
“It’s a proper landmark with huge potential and we’re excited to be working with Ipswich Borough Council and Drees and Sommer to bring it back to life.
“We’re passionate about finding new futures for historic buildings and creating places with real character.
“The opportunity to open up the waterfront, create new homes, workspaces, cafes, bars and public spaces, while keeping the heritage at the heart of the project, is incredibly exciting.”
Funding for the project will primarily come from Ipswich Borough Council, although a £500,000 contribution is being made by the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group using pooled business rates from the county’s local authorities over the last decade.
Councillor Michael Hadwen, Leader of Suffolk County Council said “I’m delighted to be able to sign off the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders funding contribution to this exciting project which will complete the regeneration of the western gateway to Ipswich waterfront and serve to facilitate improved visibility of the historic Wolsey’s Gate.
“The appointed developers are set to bring vital experience and energy to Ipswich and I look forward to seeing the plans develop through to delivery.”
More information on the proposals and the opportunities for public engagement will be announced as the project progresses.
This is not the first time visions have been unveiled for the area, with a previous scheme to convert Paul’s Silo into a leisure attraction scrapped in 2024.
