Plans to regenerate Ipswich town centre take a step forward

Plans to regenerate Ipswich town centre are set to take a step forward.

Ipswich Borough Council recently secured £8m funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities as it seeks to battle retail decline and bring vacant units back into use.

The authority will soon be opening up funding for projects that aim to fill empty buildings and generate higher footfall.

The Town Deal Regeneration Fund will provide cash the basis it is spent by February 2026.

David Ralph, the chairman of the Ipswich Town Deal Vision Board, said the funding would help create a vibrant and attractive town centre.

It is hoped buildings could be used for a variety of reasons, including cultural, education, health, leisure and hospitality, retail and residential.

He added: “I am pleased that Ipswich is soon to launch two strands of its Town Deal Regeneration Fund.

“Projects supported through the Fund will change the face of the town, bringing it to life during the day and into the evening. I look forward to seeing the exciting and innovative projects.”

In October last year, Ipswich Borough Council expressed interest in securing funding to regenerate the town centre.

Cllr Neil MacDonald, the leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said the authority recognised the town centre needed more than retail properties to ensure it is well used.

This forms the basis of its strategy for the town, he noted.

Cllr MacDonald added: “We hope these funds will deliver some brilliant projects that bring a new mix of uses to the town.”