Ipswich Central CEO Lee Walker supports plans to pedestrianise Lloyds Avenue

A business chief believes that plans to pedestrianise an Ipswich town centre street will be a boon for the local area.

Lee Walker, chief executive of Ipswich Central Business Improvement District (BID), said Lloyds Avenue was the prime location for a project designed to increase green spaces in the town.

Last month, Ipswich Borough Council’s executive agreed to £1.4 million in funding to add green spaces and expand footpaths and partially pedestrianise Lloyds Avenue.

It forms part of a wider scheme to create a ‘green’ route between the street and Ipswich waterfront, including Major’s Corner.

A public consultation into the plans opened yesterday, with responses set to inform the final designs.

Mr Walker said: “I think it’s a strong move that will allow businesses to move further out into the street and allow consumers to do what we want to do – socialise.

“Not only will it allow people to enjoy food and drink outside, it will allow them to do it without worrying about heavy traffic, which I believe will encourage more people to come into the town centre.”

Having chatted with businesses in Lloyds Avenue, Mr Walker said they seemed to see the project as a positive thing.

It would allow the businesses in the street more space to do what they want.

With current estimates suggesting the project could be complete by spring next year, he wished to highlight the effect this would have during the summer months.

However, Mr Walker stressed the project would have to be completed to a high standard.

The proposed changes for Lloyds Avenue include a reduction in taxi rank muster points from 21 to 10, the expansion of footpaths, the removal of phone booths and the planting of trees.

Loading vehicles will still be permitted access

Adrian Morris, from Unex, which owns the former Debenhams, has also expressed his support for the plans.

Mr Walker said it was important that some taxi rank stops remained in the street.

However, as the pedestrianisation project could attract people, he also felt it could increase opportunities in the town centre.

Mr Walker added: “Just closing off the street wouldn’t make a difference, there has to be a real focus on making the area attractive, incorporating more greenery and seating – making it a nice place to be.

“This will help businesses generate more income but also create a positive perception of the area.

“I’m a big believer that if you encourage economic regeneration, the spill on effects from that should be apparent.”