Visitors from Homes England came to Ipswich to see work to transform the empty Winerack building on the town’s waterfront.
Partners from Homes England, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, R G Carter of Ipswich, Ipswich Wharf Developments, Zenzic Partners, along with Sandy Martin MP and local authority representatives toured the site to see progress being made to create 150 flats and more than 5,000 square feet of commercial space.
Scaffolding is now in place on the front section of the building and a tower crane has arrived on site. The work is due to be completed by the end of 2020.
The building has been in a semi-constructed condition since the financial crash of 2008. Ipswich Wharf Developments Ltd is now taking on development of the building following £15 million investment through Homes England’s Home Building Fund and £5 million from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through its Growing Places Fund.
The project will create 150 homes, more than 5,000 square feet of commercial space and will support 56 new jobs. It is a key development in the Ipswich Vision project, which brings together local partners to work towards a single vision for the regeneration of Ipswich town centre.
Nick Walkley, Chief Executive Officer for Homes England, said: “At Homes England we’re using our finance, land and expertise to get new homes built in ambitious places like Ipswich. The Winerack is a really important example of how government is prepared to intervene to unblock stalled developments and help people and businesses to thrive. It’s great to see the real progress now being made to finish the project and help spur the regeneration of the town centre.”
Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia LEP, said: “We are pleased to see work progressing on the Winerack. This project marks a step forward in the transformation of this part of Ipswich and it will help to unlock new investment and development opportunities.”
John Howard from Ipswich Wharf Developments said: “At long last, we’re delighted to see the construction of the Winerack now fully under way. The Ipswich Marina is the crown jewel of Ipswich and completing this building will transform the skyline of the harbour and provide another 150 homes in this stunning location. We would like to thank all our advisers, Homes England, the New Anglia LEP, the Local Council and Carters for working with us to bring this project to fruition. We look forward to welcoming some new home owners to the completed building in 2020!”
