Case Study 5: Planning Issue: Ipswich Waterfront Or Ipswich Wet Dock

Question 1

The facts of Ipswich

Answer 1

• Ipswich is one of the fastest growing towns in the UK
• Ipswich is expected to have grown by 21,300 people by 2021. This means that they will need an estimated 15,400 new dwellings

Question 2

The plan of Ipswich waterfront

Answer 2

• Ben, the Ipswich MP is proposing a £10 billion scheme to build either two or three bridges across the waterfront in Ipswich
• The plan is to bring more industry and access to the waterfront area, which would then attract more companies to the area: multiplier effect
• there is a lack of good, modern office space, both for big companies and for smaller businesses that are growing fast – especially those that might be “spot on – off speech mark by the University.
• Star Lane is a one way system behind the waterfront – it is often congested. The bridge system will improve this.

Question 3

Stakeholders in Ipswich waterfront

Answer 3

Stakeholders is any person or group of people who have an interest in a planning/development issue
• University students: may have some disruption during the construction of the bridges, however in the long term it will make access easier, may bring more services to the area and may increase job opportunities
• land owner (associated British ports) – land will increase in value, rents will be profitable
• University admissions officer: may attract more students to the area as it will increase job prospects and the feel of the area
• traffic officer – Starlane traffic will improve
• boat owner: may not like the noise, business that may be a result of the development

Question 4

The past of Ipswich waterfront

Answer 4

• 1970s-1980s : rundown, old industrial buildings, brownfield sites
• there was lots of crime and empty buildings.
• anaesthetically pleasing