Work to revitalise a derelict Waterfront building into a new leisure facility is underway.

Ipswich Borough Council has started converting the empty Burtons building into a new leisure facility for the town.

Built about 100 years ago, the building was originally a key part of the Port of Ipswich as a warehouse.

The council’s contractor, Clarke Demolition Company, has completed work to remove spoil and concrete from the basement of the building.

Ipswich Star: Inside the Burtons building in 2015Inside the Burtons building in 2015 (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

In 2020, the plans received a multi-million pound boost from the government's Getting Building Fund.

A new design for the building is set to be completed in summer 2023 and structural works will begin in early 2024, Ipswich Borough Council confirmed.

Martin Cook, portfolio holder for resources at Ipswich Borough Council, said: "Redevelopment of the former Burtons building is a key part of the regeneration of Ipswich Waterfront, so we’re pleased to see works progressing to bring this empty building back into use.

Ipswich Star:  programme manager Tom Smith and councillor Martin Cook, portfolio holder for resources at Ipswich Borough Council programme manager Tom Smith and councillor Martin Cook, portfolio holder for resources at Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

"The building represents an important part of Ipswich’s history and will become a leisure destination for residents and visitors to enjoy."