Skip to main contentEnter
Purposeful journalism for people who care about our town
Ipswich.co.uk logoSupport our journalism
News

Digital Ipswich Innovation Showcase opens this week at the Buttermarket

Ipswich residents can explore the future of the high street at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre from Thursday through Saturday.

Why it matters: The showcase demonstrates how modern technology can create immersive customer experiences that could help high streets attract more visitors and increase engagement, supporting local businesses and the town centre economy.

The new Buttermarket shopping centre entrance
Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk
Ipswich residents can experience cutting-edge digital technology at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre from Thursday through Saturday

The details: The showcase runs from Thursday, 13 March at 12.30pm until Saturday, 15 March at 4pm in the Buttermarket Shopping Centre.

Visitors can interact with three main exhibits:

  • A "phygital" Pop-Up XR Experience merging physical retail with digital technologies (AR/VR)

  • Zubr's innovative binoculars that let visitors see a digitally recreated Ipswich from the 1890s

  • The Proto Hologram box, which uses AI and holographic technology to create immersive experiences

What they're saying: "Join us and be among the first to experience these revolutionary digital innovations in real life," said the organisers, who describe the showcase as "more than just an exhibition—it's a glimpse into how digital transformation shapes the high street's future."

The bigger picture: The event is part of Ipswich Thrive Business Week which started yesterday and runs until next Tuesday.

The bottom line: The Digital Ipswich Innovation Showcase aims to demonstrate how blending storytelling, technology, and interactive experiences could help businesses and local economies thrive.

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Gipping Construction, GBS and David Button Funeral Directors

Gipping Construction doing on going renovations to outside of Ipswich Museum

Gipping Construction

Based just outside Ipswich, Gipping Construction is an employee-owned construction company that operates in the private and public sectors across East Anglia.
GBS logo

GBS

This family-run construction company has delivered quality services across commercial building, fire protection, diamond drilling, health and safety, and asbestos removal for over 30 years.
Feature

What's on in Ipswich this Christmas: Your guide to festive shows

From traditional pantomimes at the Regent and New Wolsey Theatre to dance adaptations of classic tales and cinema screenings, Ipswich venues are offering entertainment for all ages throughout the festive season.
by
Continue reading →
News

Persimmon Homes buys land for 465 new homes in Ipswich

Persimmon Homes Suffolk has completed the purchase of land at Henley Gate, marking the housebuilder's return to Ipswich after several years, with plans to deliver 465 new homes.
by
Continue reading →
News

Ipswich man jailed for five years after rape conviction

Leon Thomas, 53, formerly of Farina Close in Ipswich, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday after a jury found him guilty of raping a woman he knew.
by
Continue reading →

Gipping Construction, GBS and David Button Funeral Directors

Gipping Construction doing on going renovations to outside of Ipswich Museum

Gipping Construction

Based just outside Ipswich, Gipping Construction is an employee-owned construction company that operates in the private and public sectors across East Anglia.
GBS logo

GBS

This family-run construction company has delivered quality services across commercial building, fire protection, diamond drilling, health and safety, and asbestos removal for over 30 years.
News

Suffolk and Norfolk mayoral elections to be delayed by two years

The government is expected to announce today that it will postpone planned elections for a new Suffolk and Norfolk mayor from May 2026 to 2028, marking the second delay to democratic processes in the region this year.
by
Continue reading →

Gipping Construction, GBS and David Button Funeral Directors

Gipping Construction doing on going renovations to outside of Ipswich Museum

Gipping Construction

Based just outside Ipswich, Gipping Construction is an employee-owned construction company that operates in the private and public sectors across East Anglia.
GBS logo

GBS

This family-run construction company has delivered quality services across commercial building, fire protection, diamond drilling, health and safety, and asbestos removal for over 30 years.
News

'I've got my life back': Ipswich woman reverses her diabetes in months

Susan Wolton from Ipswich has reversed her type 2 diabetes, lost over three stone and seen her IBS symptoms disappear after joining a free NHS programme that can be completed from home, with limited places remaining for local residents.
by
Continue reading →
News

College and university launch charity-business platform

Suffolk New College and University of Suffolk brought together over a dozen local charities and businesses in a new event designed to build partnerships beyond traditional fundraising. Organisers plan to make it an annual Christmas fixture.
by
Continue reading →
Load more content
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Want our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter?

If you haven’t, you really should. You’ll get our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. You can unsubscribe at any time, although 99.7% of people don’t.

  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
6,340+ people are already loving it