AN exciting new vision emerged today for a £50million shopping district in Ipswich town centre.

AN exciting new vision emerged today for a £50million shopping district in Ipswich town centre.

Developers Turnstone have submitted an artist's impression of the proposed Westgate Centre in a detailed planning application to Ipswich Borough Council.

The company wants to redevelop the former Civic Centre, which is in the process of being demolished.

Designed by architects SMC Covell Matthews alongside landscape designer Place, the images have evolved to include feedback from the community after extensive consultation.

The proposals aim to complement the existing retail infrastructure in the town as well as create further investment and new employment opportunities.

Nick Scott, director of Turnstone, said: “We are pleased to have reached this significant stage. The evolution of our scheme over the last year has been a truly interactive process, with local people and stakeholders making a major contribution to our proposals at every step.”

Plans include a new prominent entrance to open up Westgate Street through to the New Wolsey Theatre, thereby fully integrating the new shopping area with Ipswich town centre.

Significant improvements to the environment around the Westgate Centre will also be made.

The retail space will be approximately 120,000 sq ft and will include food and non-food sales with a basement car park for 169 vehicles.

Improvements to the New Wolsey Theatre are also incorporated in the development as well as restaurants, cafes, residential units, an amphitheatre and the creation of an artistic vertical icon.

The planning application submitted by Turnstone will soon be available to view at Ipswich Borough Council's offices, who will now undertake its statutory consultation on the proposals.

A newsletter showing the final masterplan and providing an update on news from the site is available from M&N Communications on 01483 415915 or from the new dedicated website at www.westgatecentre.com.