Ipswich: Second eyesore due to be cleared as derelict properties on Upper Orwell Street face demolition
Old buildings have been demolished in Upper Orwell Street, Ipswich. - Credit: Sarah Lucy brown
An eyesore street full of derelict properties in Ipswich is set to be reinvented with a new green space in the heart of the town.
NCP are funding the demolition of five properties between numbers 34 and 44 on Upper Orwell Street to make way for the new landscaped area.
The eyesore site is the second in Ipswich that is due to be cleared after it was revealed yesterday that the notorious Block A of the Regatta Quay complex, known as the ‘wine rack’, has been sold.
It is hoped that the new development combined with the restoration of St Michael’s Church will signal the beginning of a transformation of the beleaguered street.
Once the properties are demolished Ipswich Borough Council will create the new landscaped area.
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However the new space is only planned as an interim measure pending further building on the site.
The move has been made possible after a development agreement for the ‘mint quarter’ came to an end.
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The agreement, involving a number of retail properties belonging to NCP, would have resulted in a major retail complex within the town, however it has now ceased.
The process to agree on a new development has also involved Blackfriars association and Ipswich Central.
Last night Paul Clement, chief executive of Ipswich Central, welcomed the news but said the landscaping had to be completed as soon as possible, “so it doesn’t simply remain a fenced off building site.”
He added: “It’s long overdue but very much to be welcomed. It was an eyesore and the buildings were beyond their useful life, therefore it’s good that they’ve been cleared to make way for something new.”
Mark Kraft, NCP business manager said: “We are delighted that we are now able to significantly upgrade the look and feel of our local community.
“The site has been part of the development agreement but as that has concluded we are now in a position to demolish the derelict buildings and transform the area, which will be consistently maintained.
“We are looking forward to working with IBC on this project and hope the changes will be a well-received.”
A spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council said: “This partnership will help to create a much greener and more pleasant site in the Upper Orwell Street area.
“It has been part funded through the Central Area Committee and we are grateful for the support of NCP.”
