Ipswich Council announces development partners for waterfront gateway

Ipswich Borough Council has announced the appointment of development partners for their western gateway to the waterfront.

Drees & Sommer has been appointed as the multi-disciplinary consultant, who have also contracted a number of sub-consultants to deliver this project, including Capital and Centric as developer.

Capital&Centric has worked primarily in transforming historic buildings into mixed-use neighbourhoods across the UK, including projects in Manchester, Sheffield, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent and Gateshead. The approach focuses on retaining heritage assets wherever possible, creating places that champion independent businesses, culture and community.

The vision for the western gateway to the waterfront aims to retain and repurpose the 35-metre-high landmark Paul’s Silo structure and the adjacent former Burton Son and Sanders building, also redeveloping the area currently being used as the St Peter’s Dock car park.

Plans will be developed to introduce new uses throughout the site, for workspace, hospitality, leisure and a mix of new homes, all of which will be designed to bring additional activity to the waterfront throughout the day and evening.

Project expectations also include a green space at the heart of the western gateway to the waterfront, providing a communal green space on the waterfront.

The scheme is partly funded by Suffolk Public Sector Leaders.

Further details on the proposals and opportunities for public engagement will be announced as the project progresses.

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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.”

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.”

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, cafés, bars and public spaces, while keeping the heritage at the heart of the project, is incredibly exciting.”

Cllr 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.”

Image: Google