Digital portal connecting Ipswich to the world recommended approval despite 'unanswered questions’

Plans to build a digital portal connecting Ipswich to the rest of the world have been recommended for approval despite warnings of 'unanswered questions'.

Ipswich's Cornhill could see the new portal built in front of the archway leading to Lloyds Avenue as councillors are set to discuss the plans next Wednesday.

The plans, submitted by Ipswich Borough Council last month, would allow for a live connection between the town and other international locations, mimicking those already in place in Dublin, Philadelphia, and Lublin, Poland.

According to the report due to be presented to councillors, future locations are planned for Barre Grane, in Brazil, Manila, in the Philippines, Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, and Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia.

In planning documents, the council said the portal could act as a ‘powerful cultural and symbolic identity’ for Ipswich.

Despite this, the authority's Ipswich Conservation and Design Panel has objected to the proposals due to concerns the plans had 'too many unanswered questions and public realm problems'.

The panel questioned the portal's location blocking the view into the Cornhill from Lloyds Avenue, itself subject to an existing planning consent for a major £1.4 million revamp.

Further concerns were raised about the portal eventually losing its value as an attraction and, instead, being used simply as a screen for advertising.

Panel members suggested a temporary permission rather than permanent, but no such condition was imposed by planning officers, who recommended the project be approved.

Officers said the location had been carefully considered and the project would align with the strategy for the area by providing a 'cultural focal point that enhances engagement, footfall and interactivity'.