Why it matters: The project is creating a green route linking the town centre to the waterfront, with trees, native planting and green spaces being introduced across four streets – Princes Street, Queen Street, St Nicholas Street and Wolsey Square.
The details: Work on the Towns Fund-backed scheme got underway earlier this month, and Queen Street is now the latest site to see activity. Each location has its own distinct character, but a shared design language will connect the spaces into a single green corridor through the town centre.
What they're saying: Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said the project was "exactly the kind of practical, long-term improvement that shows what can be achieved when we work together to build a greater Ipswich."
For context: Ipswich was awarded £25m through the Towns Fund in 2021 to boost economic productivity and support sustainable growth through investments in urban regeneration, skills, heritage and enterprise infrastructure.
The original Ipswich Oasis project pledged a green corridor featuring plenty of trees, permanent planters with integrated seating, living walls, and an "active mile" featuring exercise equipment, and potentially even a basketball court. Business grants were pledged to enhance the outdoor environment, with the landmark living wall serving as a crown jewel in Ipswich's greening efforts.
Over the past 4-5 years, that project has gradually been stripped back and become the Town Centre Greening project.
The bottom line: While lacking the ambition of the original project, the project is steadily taking shape and bringing much-needed greenery to the town centre.
