Chris Mole MP today (May 12th 2008) attended a ceremony to mark the opening of the Griffin Wharf estate in Ipswich.

The estate, which is in the Bridge area of Ipswich, will provide large quantities of new affordable housing for the people of Ipswich. This is part of the Government's bold commitment to be building 70,000 new social homes per year by 2010.

Once complete, the estate will be home to 464 dwellings, of which 90 affordable units are presently finished. The event was organised by the Griffin Wharf Residents Association.

The estate also plans to contain a ground-breaking new health centre which will be able to address the specific health needs of the Bridge and Old Stoke areas of Ipswich. The practice, which would be moving from its current location in Burlington Road would place a strong emphasis on illness prevention as well as cure.

Griffin Wharf places a strong emphasis on building a mixed income community, helping build a stable communities characterised by a mix of tenures.

Chris said:

"I am delighted that the Griffin Wharf estate will bring more affordable social housing to the people of Ipswich. This is not just about more bricks and mortar - although obviously that is important. This is about building mixed, sustainable communities.

"From what I have seen today, the Griffin Wharf Residents Association are playing a key role in what will become a thriving local community combined with modern, cutting edge healthcare provision."

(Chris with local Labour Councillors Phil Smart and Bryony Rudkin)