Suffolk’s tallest building is a step closer to being finished – almost 20 years after the project began.
Work on The Mill, on Ipswich’s Waterfront, had originally started in 2006 but the 71m (232 ft) tall building was left unfinished, including 85 empty flats in its main tower.
A further 215 elsewhere in the building are in need of refurbishment over issues with the building’s cladding which were first identified in 2014.
The building was purchased two years ago by property developer John Howard for just £1, who is determined to finally get the project over the line.
In a post on social media this week, Mr Howard said cladding work is expected to begin in November at a cost of £20 million after funding was secured through the Levelling Up Fund.
He said: “Two years ago we started sorting out and engaging with Gateway, which is the government organisation that checks all the calculations to check that the fire cladding and everything else is correct.
“We have now got permission, which is fantastic for the residents of the 215 apartments who of course need their flats reclad.
“That means that we hope to be onsite by November.”
Mr Howard said it was ‘exciting times for residents’.
He said: “Now of course, the work really starts because not only are we going to start recladding 215 flats and supporting these residents, which is not going to be easy because they are going to be living there while we do it, we’ve also got to plan the refurbishment and the completion of the 85 flats as well.
“That’s another part of the job which we haven’t quite got ready to go yet – so watch this space.
“It’s exciting times for the residents that’s for sure, to have their homes back in safe condition and of course the value of their flat will rise to where it should be.”
He added: “This is so much more than just property, it’s about making homes safe, supporting residents, and helping restore the value of their properties.”
Elsewhere on the Ipswich Waterfront, work continues to replace non-compliant cladding on buildings at Regatta Quay.
