Why it matters: The event marks the completion of improvements to the area that serves as a major point of welcome for visitors to Ipswich, whilst showcasing the town's maritime heritage.
The details: Griff Rhys Jones provided a voiceover introduction for the new location-based augmented reality (AR) trail, which can be accessed via QR codes on new signage at Stoke Bridge Wharf and the All About Ipswich website.
The app features Ipswich locals voicing historic characters including captains, merchants, sailors, dockers, early photographers and trail-blazing women who have left their mark on the town's waterfront.
Users will also discover waterfront restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, as well as cultural opportunities at Dance East, Sailing Barge Victor, The Hold and the University of Suffolk.
What they're saying: "It is great to be involved; Ipswich is a fascinating historic port. We all need to have a look around and get to know the story. I'm delighted to be part of it, helping everyone to do just that," said Griff Rhys Jones.
Lee Walker, chief executive of Ipswich Central, said: "Stoke Bridge is a key location for the town, an important historic landmark and major point of welcome for visitors to Ipswich. Improvements to this area elevate the existing street scene and bring Ipswich's heritage harbour into the spotlight."
Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, added: "This is great for the town. At the redeveloped area beside Stoke Bridge, residents and visitors can now stop to take in Ipswich's fantastic waterfront. From there, the new information signage beside the physical bridge will allow them to access online stories of Ipswich's maritime heritage, via the digital bridge of a QR code."
The bigger picture: The new look Stoke Bridge Wharf features enhanced viewing facilities with new seating, planting and heritage information signage, funded by Suffolk County Council's PDP Ipswich Investment Fund.
Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Ipswich, said: "I am delighted that Suffolk County Council’s Ipswich Investment Fund has been able to play its part in transforming this gateway to Ipswich Waterfront. We are committed to driving plans to regenerate such key locations throughout Ipswich."
The Dock Stories app forms part of the Towns Fund Digital Ipswich project, which consists of multiple strands, including the new Portal on the Cornhill, harnessing innovative digital technologies to improve the town centre economy through increasing footfall and dwell time.
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David Ralph, chair of the Ipswich Vision Board, said: "The QR codes at Stoke Bridge Wharf will provide a digital link to connect visitors with stories of Ipswich's maritime heritage, enriching the visitor experience and providing an interesting, interactive learning environment."
The bottom line: The project creates a new physical welcome point and a digital bridge to the past, transforming how visitors experience one of England's most historic ports and bringing the voices of Ipswich's maritime pioneers back to life.
