Council reaches significant milestone in regenerating Ipswich Waterfront

Plans to renovate a prominent building on Ipswich Waterfront are underway. As part of a partnership between Ipswich Borough Council and café-restaurant chain, Loungers, Ipswich will soon have another fantastic eatery on its doorstep.

The former Burtons warehouse on St Peter’s Dock is to be leased to Loungers who are committed to a substantial refurbishment which will result in a revitalised building, and a relaxed, family friendly restaurant.

Loungers who are behind the brands Cosy Club, Lounge and Brightside, plan to create a unique lounge with an informal, warm, and comfortable atmosphere, creating a space which celebrates the history and spirit of Ipswich.

A Lounge is a neighbourhood café/bar combining elements of coffee shop culture, the British pub and dining. There are Lounges across England and Wales, principally located in secondary suburban high streets and small-town centres. The sites are characterised by informal, unique interiors with an emphasis on a warm, comfortable atmosphere, often described as a ‘home-from-home’.

The derelict warehouse, built over 100 years ago, has been cleared and made safe by Ipswich Borough Council in readiness for this regeneration.

This is the first phase of the Council’s exciting plans to regenerate this area of the waterfront and will complement the recently approved Towns Fund Project to convert the Former Paul’s Silo into a climbing/activity centre, with an adjoining new park area.

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader, says:

“This unique Lounge continues the redevelopment of Ipswich Waterfront, making St Peter’s Wharf a welcoming entrance to Ipswich Waterfront, which is a key part of our commitment to regenerating Ipswich into a vibrant destination for eating, drinking, education, and entertainment.

We’re pleased to be taking steps forward to ensuring it remains a prominent feature in the area for generations ahead to enjoy.

This historic building is an important part of the town’s maritime past, therefore its vital that the industrial characteristics of the building are retained in its refurbishment.

Its development into a restaurant makes it another fantastic addition to the area, giving further choice and high-quality dining to residents and visitors to Ipswich.”

Gemma Irwin, Community Manager at Loungers, says: “We’re so looking forward to opening our Lounge next year. We hope our family friendly environment and top-notch food and drink offering will prove popular with local residents. We’re passionate about integrating genuinely into the communities we serve so we’re looking forward to meeting everyone and to playing our part at the heart of Ipswich’s food and drink scene. 

Anyone looking for a space to host events or groups should pop in once we’re open, we’d love to hear from them and see what we can do to help.” 

Image credit – Ipswich Borough Council

www.ipswich.gov.uk