AquiGen unveils plans for major regeneration scheme in Ipswich

08.08.2011

AquiGen unveils plans for major regeneration scheme in Ipswich

Proposal includes Waitrose and John Lewis at home shops and could create up to 1,500 jobs

Property developer, AquiGen (a joint venture between Aquila House Holdings and Generator Group), has confirmed that it is investing in a £multi-million regeneration scheme on brownfield land between Ransomes Way and Nacton Road in Ipswich. The development would provide 500,000 sq ft of business floorspace as well as a new Waitrose and John Lewis at home shop.

 AquiGen - which has exchanged contracts to acquire the 17-hectare former factory site unconditionally- is working with the John Lewis Partnership to prepare a planning application for the employment-led scheme, which includes a 26,500 sq ft Waitrose and 43,000 sq ft John Lewis at home shop. Its aim is to create a high-quality development incorporating new infrastructure and open spaces that would attract major investment and create up to 1,500 job opportunities, including 300 across the Waitrose and John Lewis at home shops.

 AquiGen will be displaying its plans at a public exhibition which will be held at the Holiday Inn, The Havens, Ransomes Europark, from 11am - 7pm on Friday, 19th August and from 10am - 2pm on Saturday, 20th August. All members of the local community are invited to view and discuss the proposal, and will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. 

 Tony Chambers, AquiGen's chairman said: "We are delighted to be working with Waitrose and John Lewis to help transform the site which has been vacant since 2008. Our aim is to create a very high-quality development that can attract major businesses, create new jobs and ultimately help boost the local economy."

 Nigel Keen, director of development, John Lewis Partnership, said: "The Partnership has had a long-standing ambition to open John Lewis and Waitrose shops in Ipswich and we're pleased to finally have the opportunity to bring both shops to the town.

 "The site would enable us to build a large Waitrose located immediately next to John Lewis at home with a shared entrance that would enable shoppers to benefit from convenient access to product ranges in both shops.

 "We are very keen to hear feedback from local residents, businesses and community groups so their comments can be considered before the application is submitted."

 Paul Isaacs, AquiGen's Managing Director said: "We are delighted to have secured John Lewis/Waitrose as our anchor tenant, subject to planning, for this exciting project that would significantly enhance the local area and bring forward the regeneration of a strategic site that has become a local eyesore."

 The John Lewis at home format focuses on furniture, furnishing accessories, homeware, electronics and home technology. Waitrose would provide its latest range of goods and services, including a quality selection of fresh foods, wines, service counters and its online shopping service, Waitrose.com.

 Subject to the feedback received during the consultation, AquiGen is aiming to submit a planning application in late summer. If this is approved, the new shops could be open by spring 2013.