A MULTI million pound exchange took place today which is set to give Ipswich town centre a boost.The empty civic centre site, once the headquarters of Ipswich Borough Council, in Civic Drive, has been bought by developers for an undisclosed multi-million pound sum.

A MULTI million pound exchange took place today which is set to give Ipswich town centre a boost.

The empty civic centre site, once the headquarters of Ipswich Borough Council, in Civic Drive, has been bought by developers for an undisclosed multi-million pound sum.

Turnstone Estates Ltd plan to demolish the unused office building and transform it into a huge supermarket, which will cost £20m alone in construction.

Nick Scott, director of Turnstones Estates Ltd, said: “The scheme is in the early stages at the moment. We are working up our ideas and then it will go to public consultation with local people and stakeholders.

“This will culminate in a planning application probably near 2008, which will then run its course through the planning system and we would then expect a construction period of two years.”

Mr Scott said his company was currently in discussion with a major national retailer and he said the project was likely to be 50 to 70,000 sq ft in size.

Richard Atkins, portfolio holder for planning and economic development at Ipswich Borough Council, said he was absolutely delighted by the sale.

Work is expected to begin on the demolition of the civic centre as soon as possible.

For more details of the £55m development, see tomorrow's East Anglian Daily Times.