Works to improve St Peter’s Wharf in Ipswich have started. The work, which is being delivered by Suffolk County Council (SCC) in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council (IBC), will provide a better experience for pedestrians and cyclists travelling through the wharf and will further improve the Waterfront area.
The aim of the scheme is to enhance the area by introducing footways and a clearly defined carriageway. A seating area will be created along with the installation of trees and bicycle parking. The addition of trees and seating area will provide an area for people to relax and take in the Waterfront surroundings and with the footway on the southern side raised to allow views across the New Cut.
The works are taking place along the wharf between Stoke Bridge, Bridge Street and Foundry Lane, opposite Dance East. The scheme has been designed to cater for the high number of pedestrians and cyclists that use the area as well as accommodating large vehicles accessing the Port. Funding for the scheme, which will cost in the region of £750,000, was secured via a bid to the Coastal Community Fund by Ipswich Vision.
Paul West. Suffolk County Council cabinet member for Ipswich, communities and waste
said; “I am delighted that this work is taking place, a lot of development has taken place on the waterfront over the past few years and St Peter’s Wharf has become a much-used route for road users. These vital improvements will mean that visitors to the waterfront whether it be pedestrians, cyclist or motorists have the opportunity to enjoy the St Peter’s Wharf area.”
Terry Hunt, chairman of the Ipswich Vision board said; “This is an incredibly important
gateway to our wonderful waterfront and these enhancements will enable this prominent
part of our town to give a much-improved impression to residents and visitors. This
scheme is another crucial example of the exciting regeneration of our county town.”
It is predicted that the scheme will take up to six months to complete due to improvements that will need to be made to underground infrastructure. The work which will be delivered six days a week (Monday – Saturday between 7am – 5pm) must also be completed in stages to ensure full access is maintained for all road users throughout the work.
For the duration of the scheme, there will be an out-bound lane closure in place and traffic exiting the dock will be required to exit via Foundry Lane. Temporary traffic signals will also be operational at times throughout the scheme. The signals will be manually controlled, including peak times from 7am to 7pm each working day. This is to alleviate delays and traffic queues.
