Ipswich waterfront to gain new restaurant in plans to refurbish warehouse

The former Burtons warehouse building is set to become a new restaurant-lounge

A waterfront eatery is due to open as part of a regeneration plan for the town, the local authority said.

The former Burtons warehouse on St Peter's Dock in Ipswich was bought by Ipswich Borough Council for £210,000 in 2015.

The derelict building is to be leased to the cafe-restaurant chain Loungers.

Labour council leader Neil MacDonald said: "Its development into a restaurant makes it another fantastic addition to the area."

This is the first phase of the council's plans to regenerate the waterfront, which also includes the recently approved Towns Fund Project to convert the former Paul's silo into a climbing and activity centre, with an adjoining new park area.

The 100-year-old building has been "cleared and made safe" by the council in readiness for its refurbishment.

Neil MacDonald said: "It's vital that the industrial characteristics of the building are retained in its refurbishment"

Mr MacDonald said the council was "pleased to be taking steps forward" to ensure the building remained a prominent feature and a "welcoming entrance" at the Stoke Bridge end of the waterfront.

He said the new redevelopment would be "a key part of our commitment to regenerating Ipswich into a vibrant destination for eating, drinking, education, and entertainment".

Previous plans for the warehouse to become an art hub for theatre company Gecko fell through, after the council said it would be too expensive.

The derelict Burtons building sits between the larger Paul silo and The Mill/Jerwood DanceHouse tower block

Loungers also runs the Cosy Club chain which has a branch in Ipswich's Buttermarket Shopping Centre.

The firm planned to create a "a unique lounge with an informal, warm and comfortable atmosphere" on the waterfront which would open next year.

Loungers community manager Gemma Irwin said: "We're passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve, so we're looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Ipswich's food and drink scene."