ISG Secures £15 Million First Phase Of Ipswich Regeneration Scheme

ISG has secured phase one of a major urban regeneration project in the historic docklands area of Ipswich, bringing new homes and commercial accommodation to the town. The initial £15 million contract with Genesis Housing Association focuses on the delivery of 386 affordable and Extra Care houses, with ISG also working towards the detailed design and costing of the full scheme, which is expected to be in the region of £36 million.

ISG’s involvement in the project began with an initial enabling contract in spring 2011, encompassing the demolition of a number of structures on the site bordering Stoke Quay, including a former builder’s merchants and a range of industrial units. Construction work proper will commence in October, immediately following an intensive 14-week dig by Oxford Archaeology, which is believed to be one of the largest rescue excavations undertaken in the UK this year. The triangular-shaped site is understood to be the location of a lost medieval church, and the archaeologists will systematically investigate the area looking for evidence of past occupation and use.

The archaeological excavation is expected to generate a great deal of regional interest and a viewing platform will be erected overlooking the excavation to give visiting groups a unique perspective of the dig’s progress. On completion of the excavation work, ISG will take full possession of the site and commence the construction phase, which is scheduled to complete in summer 2014.

The design of the scheme makes full use of the sloping nature of the site and incorporates a basement car parking structure, which doubles as a flood defence measure. The new homes are effectively built upon a ground floor concrete podium deck, which spans the entirety of the site, with the basement providing car parking for 212 vehicles and 598 secure bicycle spaces. The mixed tenure scheme features 25 terraced townhouses and three blocks of flats, including extra-care supported accommodation.

As part of its commitment to the local supply chain and support of the skills and expertise of quality regional businesses and tradespeople, ISG is holding an open day at its Ipswich office in August to discuss the range of opportunities available to key suppliers on this major project.

ISG’s Phillip Allerton, managing director - East, commented: “The award of the first phase of this major East Anglian regeneration project recognises our ability to deliver technically complex and high capital value schemes. The investment by Genesis in an underused area of Ipswich will undoubtedly act as the catalyst for further development in the locality, whilst bringing much needed accommodation and high specification commercial units to the town.”