IPSWICH'S Waterfront has received a fresh boost today after it emerged a popular pizza chain are in talks about moving to the location.

IPSWICH'S Waterfront has received a fresh boost today after it emerged a popular pizza chain are in talks about moving to the location.

Pizza Express, which boasts chains across the country, is considering setting up shop within the Regatta Quay development having made an offer for one of the units.

Meanwhile it has also emerged that Morgans Wine Bar, currently in Arcade Street, has signed up to move to the development.

Agents Penn Commercial are also in talks with a number of possible tenants, including a convenience store chain, deli chain Subway and a coffee bar about the two further units.

In total Regatta Quay boasts five Waterfront retail units.

Besides Morgans Wine Bar, the prestigious Pitcher and Piano chain of bars has also signed up for a unit.

Penn Commercial are also in talks with a national hotel chain about taking over several units at the rear of the development.

Vanessa Penn, of Penn Commercial, said: “We have done really well with the commercial part of the scheme. National brands are showing they are confident about going into the Waterfront.

“The Pitcher and Piano chain are very selective and don't take up many units in a year.

“Once you get a national chain like that, you tend to get everyone's attention.”

The new arrivals are a further boost for Ipswich's fast growing Waterfront. Around 24 restaurants, cafes and bars are in the pipeline for the area.

Besides the Regatta Quay units, two restaurants and four cafés are in the pipeline for the Cranfield Mill development.

Meanwhile a £2million redevelopment of the Isaac Lord Quarter, set to feature a new bar and café, will be joined by a number of cafes at the nearby £25million Custom House Square development which has a construction start date of Autumn this year.

Other developments in the pipeline include a restaurant and cocktail bar on Wherry Quay, restaurants and a bar at the forthcoming St Peter's Port development of hotels, as well as new restaurants at Neptune Marina and the landmark “marquee restaurant” at Orwell Quay.