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Ipswich Central outlines expectations for new MP candidates ahead of general election

News

Ipswich Central has announced six key expectations for candidates in the upcoming general election to ensure the town’s continued growth and prosperity.

Representing hundreds of town centre businesses, Ipswich Central advocates for policies that foster economic growth and enhance the town's appeal.

Ipswich Central's key expectations for Ipswich's next MP

Champion Ipswich

Act as a dedicated advocate for Ipswich, promoting its town centre and supporting policies that attract investors, visitors, and residents.

Support funding bids

Secure funding from partner agencies to attract investment, drive economic growth, and support development initiatives in Ipswich.

Lobby for Investment

Advocate for Ipswich at the central government level to secure maximum investment from available funding opportunities, aiding the town's recovery and revival.

Relocate government bodies

Endorse the relocation of government and public sector bodies to Ipswich, boosting local employment and economic activity.

Improve transport links

Work with the Department for Transport to enhance rail and road connectivity, making Ipswich more accessible and attractive for businesses and visitors.

Reform business rates

Support a reformed business rates system that reflects the value of high streets and provides fair opportunities for modern businesses.

Terry Baxter, Chair of Ipswich Central, emphasised the critical nature of these expectations: “It is crucial that the MP for Ipswich following next month’s election commits to unwavering support of the town centre, the beating heart of Ipswich. The vitality of our town centre is essential to the overall success and well-being of our town.”

Ipswich Central urges the community and stakeholders to support these commitments and to hold candidates accountable, ensuring that Ipswich remains a thriving hub for businesses, residents, and visitors.

For more information on Ipswich Central’s priorities and initiatives, visit Ipswich Central.

Council set to award up to £5.3m to undisclosed town centre regeneration projects

News

Ipswich Borough Council's Executive is set to approve grants worth up to £5.3m to revitalise empty spaces in the town centre.

The big picture: An independent expert panel has selected five projects to receive funding from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund, part of the Ipswich Town Deal.

  • The chosen projects will initially receive small development grants to test feasibility and costs.

  • After this stage, the panel will consider awarding larger grants for project delivery.

  • The selected projects have still not been disclosed to the public.

  • £5m remains in the fund for the council to bring other key buildings back into use.

A photo of The Botanist, a bar in Ipswich
The Botanist was one project funded by the Towns Deal fundOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

What they're saying:

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader, said: "There are some very exciting projects being recommended by the expert panel and I look forward to being able to reveal them when further checks have been made on their viability."

David Ralph, the Town Deal and Ipswich Vision Board Chair, added: "There were 21 applications to the Regeneration Fund and the best five have been selected by the expert panel. I look forward to the projects coming to fruition and helping Ipswich to thrive."

Why it matters: The Towns Fund programme aims to significantly improve the Ipswich town centre, building on previous projects such as The Botanist, Suffolk New College, and the University.

What's next: The Executive will meet on Tuesday 10 September 2024 at 6pm to discuss the grants.

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