Multi-million scheme to regenerate historic maltings buildings

This is how The Maltings could look after the redevelopment. Picture: PERTWEE ESTATES Archant

The Maltings, the former Hollywood and Kartouche nightclub building in Princes Street, set to be transformed into upmarket offices.

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Julian and Mark Pertwee, new owners of the former Hollywood's club in Ipswich. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN Julian and Mark Pertwee, new owners of the former Hollywood's club in Ipswich. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

The landmark Maltings building in Princes Street, Ipswich is set to be transformed into new high-tech offices by new owners, Pertwee Estates.

The experienced Colchester-based business park developers, brothers Mark and Julian Pertwee, have agreed to purchase the historic buildings - subject to planning permission being granted - from the owners Ipswich Borough Council.

The former entertainment venue, previously operated as The Maltings, and before that as Kartouche and Hollywood nightclubs, has been standing empty.

Mark Pertwee, managing director of Pertwee Estates, said: “This is part of the re-generation of the Princes Street area.

“This is the gateway into Ipswich and this is an important building. It is very exciting what is happening in the Princes Street area and what is happening in the Waterfront.”

His brother Julian added: “There is a real buzz about the area.”

Their plans for the Maltings complex include a new glass atrium linking the main buildings, and light wells to bring in floods of light to the main building.

There will be three floors of unusual-shaped suites in the taller, turret shaped building too, with views over the river.

Mark added: “This is securing the long term employment use. Hopefully it will be fit for another 150 years.

“There could be 200 to 300 people working here.

“It will be very modern, flexible space, for a mix of businesses of various sizes, including creatives.

“There will be 23,000sq ft of offices and about 3,500sq ft of circulation spaces.

“The building is in pretty good nick for something built in 1820.”

His brother Julian is investigating the sustainability of the development, Although solar panels are not appropriate, on the listed buildings, he is looking into air source heat pumps and CHP (combined heat and power) for the project.

Vanessa Penn, of commercial agents Penn Commercial, said: “These are important buildings for the regeneration of the area, and for the vision for Ipswich.

“We have already had some interest in it at this early stage.”

Pertwee Estates has been in property development since the early 1990s, building and operating commercial units in Colchester.

The family business had previously been in agriculture trading and supplies, dating back a further 120 years, said Mark.

Its Lodge Park development grew from small beginnings to having 27 companies on site, and has since been sold.

Julian Pertwee added: “It is the perfect time for a new, exciting project like this.”

The firm has experience in commercial and residential new build and regeneration and refurbishment, he said.

The re-development designs are by Colchester-based architect Rob Esposito, of Esposito McLean Architecture, added Mark.

If planning permission is granted later this year, work could be under way early in 2018.

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