According to WAMRAG, "Horizontality" and "Lasting impermanence" are two key features of riverside buildings identified by Mike Munt in his characterisation study. These criteria have been conveyed in the drawings of the community building, hence its jumbled, layered and multi-material nature. This, WAMRAG claims, captures the appeal of a genuine waterfront development that has evolved over a period of time. The group suggests that the Woodbridge/Sutton ferry might be reinstated from this location with a restored low water hard, access ways, and a new ferryboat to provide a 'green' route from the railway or car parks to Sutton Hoo and the surrounding countryside. Why Whisstocks though? Martin Wenyon: "The site is perfect for this use. It's as simple and straightforward as that. Three key features combine to make it a valuable asset: (1) A rare deep water slipway capable of slipping vessels in excess of 100ft and 100 tonnes; (2) A state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled boat shed with its own electricity sub-station which means that boats made of steel, aluminium, wood or fibreglass can be accommodated all year round and, (3) Road access. Because of this access it's important that the turning circle is retained so that large vessels can be transferred between the road network and the river." He added that the site has the potential to provide local employment ("we still have locals with the skills"), plus significant secondary and support employment, and regeneration through tourism. Wenyon: "Woodbridge provides a perfect venue for this function. In an ideal world this could form part of a mix that includes the tide mill, the marina, Sutton Hoo, and a rejuvenated ferry - and all this against the backdrop of a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly Quayside, and historic Woodbridge itself. "Look no further than the success of the recent classic boat festival last month during the Heritage Open Days. It generated its own momentum. I have it on good authority that one of our leading restaurants was so overwhelmed that it had to turn away customers - even after laying on extra staff and food. Isn't this what local business wants more than anything? "Woodbridge is a natural venue for classic boat 'meets'. Imagine it's a rainy day. What do the exhibitors do? Woodbridge has many pubs, restaurants, a cinema, museums, shops and good train communications. Compare that to, say, Shotley. `"By harnessing the marine heritage of Woodbridge we can not only reinvigourate our local marine services industry, but also our pubs, restaurants, shops, everything. "The festival in September was a perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate precisely what WAMRAG has been aspiring towards over the past three years." Funding: "Plainly, the question of funding needs to be addressed" said Mr Wenyon. "The Heritage Lottery Fund is a major source of potential funding and we've already had preliminary dialogue, and there are other possible sources too. A trust would have to find funds of its own too, not forgetting that this all hinges on whether or not the owner of the site is prepared to sell it to a local trust in the first place. WAMRAG will be holding its AGM at The Royal British Legion, Woodbridge, on Friday Nov' 10 at 19.30. (Ends) Further information: Martin Wenyon (chairman), 07734 051305 Richard Hare (press relations), 01394 382270

PRESS RELEASE October '06 WAMRAG's 'vision for Whisstocks'. WAMRAG (The Woodbridge & Melton Riverside Action Group) has published its vision for the controversial Whisstocks site in Woodbridge. During 2006 the group performed an endorsement exercise among its members to see if the vision for Whisstocks that it had outlined met with the approval of the membership. On the basis of returned completed questionnaires it received a 100% endorsement. The WAMRAG plan takes on board what the public had expressed at the group's public consultation event at New Street School and the earlier event at The Crown Hotel. Well over 500 visitors turned out for the exhibition at New Street School - a figure representing more than 5% of Woodbridge's entire population. 400 questionnaires were completed. In addition to this feed back WAMRAG's plan for the site takes into account: ·SCDC's Planning Statement for the Riverside, ·The Local Plan ·Mike Munt's Woodbridge Riverside Characterisation Study. According to WAMRAG chairman, Martin Wenyon: "It cannot be overstressed that we do not own the site, Mr Van Treen does, and he is under no obligation to take on board anything that we propose. "However we have communicated this concept to him in an attempt to provide him with a viable alternative. The proposal overcomes the traffic concerns of Network Rail and reflects, we believe, the consensus delivered by the most thorough and extensive public consultation process for the site to date." The Plan: The WAMRAG plan comprises three distinct elements - 'maritime', 'community' and 'the Woodbridge Ferry', with the whole site being owned by a not-for-profit but self-funding trust. The proposed maritime element would focus on historic boat restoration, maintenance, and skills training. This, it suggests, can be housed both in the existing boatshed and in a new boatshed to the rear of the site adjacent to the railway. Between the sheds there would be a visitor centre, workshops, and offices.

WAMRAG claims that there are about 1400 registered and an estimated further 2500 unregistered historic vessels in the UK in private and public ownership. Many are from the East Coast, such as barges, bawleys and smacks. All need regular maintenance to keep them in good condition while some need complete restoration. A number of them are eligible for public funding, the group claims. The proposed new community building alongside the river wall replaces the existing small corrugated iron chandlery within which a permanent museum might be located on the first floor with a café/restaurant with river views, a shop and a multi-purpose exhibition/community showroom on the ground floor. A third upper floor might house offices, meeting rooms etc to generate revenue.