Plans for a new four-storey office in the heart of an Ipswich business corridor have been approved - and will be a “striking new architectural presence”, according to design experts.
Ipswich Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the proposals by Pertwee Park Ltd on Wednesday to build the facility next door to the Maltings – a renovation project it has already completed for business use.
The new build, called The Coalyard, will feature 2,341 square metres of office floorspace and car parking.
MORE: Plans for new office block revealedCouncil design experts said it would be a “striking new architectural presence” in the area, which along with Princes Street is undergoing regeneration as a business corridor between the rail station and town centre.
Councillors hailed the design in their comments.
Councillor Carole Jones said it was “a really imaginative design” and added: “I think it will be a real asset in that corner and hopefully in these uncertain times it will come to fruition.”
Councillor Colin Kreidewolf said: “It shows some confidence in the local economy as we hopefully move to recover from this recent pandemic.
“I think Pertwee did a very sympathetic conversion of the nearby Maltings building and this provides an interesting dichotomy to that building.
“It’s an interesting design that makes the best use of its location.”
The £3.5million Maltings revamp opened its doors in July last year, turning the old nightclub space known at times as Hollywood, Zest and Kartouche into a modern new office facility.
Planning officers confirmed the new Coalyard complex would not have any detrimental impact on the 200-year-old Grade II Listed Maltings building.
Michael Smith from JCN Design, agents for the application, said: “Although the site is not allocated for development in the local plan, it’s one of the most accessible and sustainable locations in the town and has a key role to play in the ongoing regeneration of Ipswich Village and the Princes Street corridor opportunity area.
MORE: Rooftop garden to feature on Coalyard office building“The proposed offices are an important new element in the regeneration of the surrounding area and will bring more jobs to one of the most accessible and sustainable locations in the town.”
Work can begin once financial contributions for infrastructure have been finalised.
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