Why it matters: Arras Square sits at the heart of Ipswich town centre, and its long-promised transformation has been years in the making. Residents are still waiting to see the benefits of a project that has consumed significant public funds through planning, design and administrative costs before a spade has touched the ground.
The big picture: The council first drew up plans for Arras Square around 2020, appointing architect Erect Architecture for £69,990 to deliver an original scheme. That scheme was put on hold in 2022 after Suffolk Police raised concerns, having recorded nearly 300 reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity in the area since 2018 – including reports of sexual activity, drugs and alcohol consumption on raised tombstones. Police requested modifications including full-site CCTV, additional lighting and railings to protect the historic tombstones.
By the time the original scheme was paused, Erect Architecture's fees had grown to £100,583. The council renegotiated a fresh contract with the same firm – at £88,905 – to lead design work on a revised, reduced-scope scheme.
By the numbers: An FOI response obtained by Ipswich.co.uk reveals that the council has spent £313,689.08 on the Arras Square project since 2000, broken down as follows:
Planning and design costs: £105,583.30
Consultation fees: £15,242.28
Administrative costs (including officer time): £192,863.50
On top of that historic spend, the council has allocated £906,930 for the 2025/26 financial year, with no additional approved spending beyond that figure. It is not clear if the proposed work can be delivered within that budget.
What's being planned: The revised design aims to celebrate the area's historic character – particularly the Grade II* listed St Stephen's Church – while improving visibility, safety and pedestrian priority. According to the council, the scheme will include:
Retained and new trees, alongside thoughtful landscaping
Sensitive lighting and brand new CCTV
High-quality seating and improved pathways
Upgraded cycle facilities
A new information panel incorporating an original French post box, as a nod to Ipswich's twinning with Arras in northern France
A new public art mural
What they're saying: Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "Ipswich Borough Council is moving forward with an exciting transformation of several key public realm areas, with Arras Square at the heart of the improvements, to create a more vibrant, welcoming and better-connected town centre."
What's next: According to the council, preliminary site preparation work is already under way – though no work was visible at the time of publishing – with procurement of specialist contractors ongoing. An architect is currently developing the technical design, and the council says final details are being agreed for dates to start work. The £88,905 renegotiated architect's fee will be funded from existing allocated capital budgets.
The bottom line: With nearly £1.2 million now committed and work (apparently) under way, the question is no longer whether Arras Square will be transformed – but whether the revised scheme will be worth the wait for taxpayers who take to the polls this May for the final local elections before all of Suffolk's existing councils are abolished and replaced by one or three unitary councils.
