THE first images of an £8million re-development of a derelict boatyard and neighbouring site can now be revealed.

Developers have today handed a planning application to Suffolk Coastal District Council for Whisstocks and Nunn’s Mill in Woodbridge.

The original schemes received some criticism but have since been re-drawn following lengthy consultation with the local community.

The designs were commissioned by Norwich-based developer FW Properties on behalf of Whisstocks Developments Ltd and its funder, Investec Bank.

Bosses hope the plans will revitalise both sites, which have been vacant for more than 20 years.

Julian Wells, a director of FW Properties, said: “We have paid close attention to the views of the local community and this is reflected in the final plans.

“The designs are sophisticated, in both architectural and place-making terms.

“The proposals for Whisstocks will make it a highly distinctive place to live, or visit – but without taking the visual emphasis away from the Grade I listed Tide Mill. The design is sensitive in the way the buildings are arranged on the site.

“At Nunn’s Mill, the new scheme responds creatively to the historic precedents – but we’ve avoided pastiche architecture.”

The designs have been prepared by local architects Paul Weston and Charles Curry-Hyde. “These are sensitive and historic locations and we have proceeded with great care, taking into account the needs and opinions of the local community,” they said.

The Whisstocks scheme is for four separate buildings – including a community boat shed that will be used to build a full size working replica of the Sutton Hoo Anglo Saxon ship and a heritage building, which will house Woodbridge Museum.

There would also be a high class restaurant and another building for 14 holiday homes, a café, a bar and two shops. Central to this would be an outdoor space for community events and the slipway will also be reinstated. The boat shed and the heritage building would be donated to the community.

The Nunn’s Mill site will include seven town houses, four flats and two commercial units.

A number of groups were consulted ahead of handing in the application, including Suffolk Coastal District Council, Woodbridge Town Council, Suffolk Design Review Panel and Whisstocks Project Community Interest Company (WPCIC).

Malcolm Hodd, spokesman for WPCIC, said: “Together with the adjacent

Tide Mill, the new buildings will create a ‘heritage hub’ around the proposed public space which will be a centre for events, entertainment and community enjoyment.”

Mr Wells added: “The whole process represents, in my opinion, a great example of responsive private enterprise, the developer and the funder working closely, and in detail, with the local community and the public sector to deliver viable and sustainable schemes that will meet our high expectations for both sites.”