Feasibility study on land ownership and status along Ipswich Quayside.

Project Scope

There are two main components to the study:

• Legal survey work to establish legal ownership of the quay walls and road where this is unknown and to establish definitively what rights of way or easements exist over the quays.
• Structural engineering survey work - to assess the conditionof the quay walls including a two stage investigation with an initial report on condition and identifying which sections need targeting for more physical investigation and the second stage will consist of more detailed survey work.

Aim of the Project

The aims of this project are to:

• Resolve ownership issues in the hope of establishing responsibility for maintaining the walls and the road.
• Establish the condition of the quay walls.

Outcomes of the Project

• Greater legal certainty over ownership and responsibility for repair.
• Up to date information on the condition of the quay walls.

Status

Funding for 2008/09 £25,000

IDP Package: IP One

Status as at 30 September 2008:

• Specification details currently being written prior to being sent out to consultant.

Status as at 31 December 2008:

• Specification now defined and will include investigating ownership of the quay walls and quay road, identify the condition of the quay walls, establish maintenance and repair obligations and investigate the possible further development of the Ipswich waterfront and improve the environment for existing residents and businesses.

Status as at 31 March 2009:

• No further progress made.

Status as at 30 June 2009:

• Legal work in respect of the paper ownership of the quay wall is about to begin.

Status as at 30 September 2009:

• Ipswich Borough Council to begin to engage with various stakeholders that may have an interest in the Quay Wall - be it commercial or proprietary.

Status as at 31 December 2009:

• Conclusion of legal investigation and receipt of report slower than hoped due to significant issues in tracking appropriate plans to Ipswich Dock area.
• Ipswich Borough Council has started discussions with the main stakeholder at Ipswich Docks - ABP.

 Status as at 31 March 2010:

• Physical survey completed and report in the process of being prepared by consultants.

Status as at 30 June 2010:

• Physical survey completed.
• Legal report completed.
• Seminar planned for September 2010 to share findings with various stakeholders.

Project complete.