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Premier League impact on Ipswich to be captured in year-long photo project

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Ipswich Central is kicking off a new campaign to capture the economic and social benefits of Premier League football on local businesses and communities. The initiative will document the town's experience throughout Ipswich Town's 2024/25 top-flight season.

Why it matters: Through the project, Ipswich Central aims to showcase how Premier League status can boost our local economy and community spirit beyond match days.

A banner on the Corn Exchange reads "We share the glory, we've felt the pain, we're right behind you, we are back again"
A banner on the Corn Exchange reads, "We share the glory, we've felt the pain, we're right behind you, we are back again."Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk
Ipswich Town fans in 2022 holding a banner that reads "We shared the glory, we felt the pain, we're right behind you, we'll be back again""
The original banner shown in 2002Ipswich Central

The big picture: The campaign will combine professional photography, fan involvement, and economic analysis to create a comprehensive view of the Premier League's impact on Ipswich.

Key elements:

  • Renowned football culture photographer Adam Rosenbaum will capture portraits of local business workers, highlighting their perspectives on the Premier League's impact.

  • Fans can apply for disposable cameras to document their matchday experiences throughout the season.

  • A study by national experts will assess the economic impact of Ipswich's Premier League season.

  • The project will culminate in an end-of-season exhibition showcasing the best photography and economic findings.

What they're saying: Lee Walker, Ipswich Central CEO, said: "While the focus is obviously on the 90 minutes of action, the power of football extends far beyond the boundaries of the pitch with its benefits being felt across local communities."

He added: "We wanted to look at the impact of the Premier League returning to Ipswich in an authentic way that taps into football culture. We also wanted to create a platform to showcase and celebrate the local businesses that will welcome fans and help showcase our town to the world over the coming season."

How to get involved:

  • Businesses interested in participating should contact Ipswich Central.

  • Fans can share their stories and experiences on the All About Ipswich website and social media channels.

Background: Ipswich Central runs the All About Ipswich website and is the Business Improvement District (BID) for Ipswich town centre and its businesses.

What's next: More details about the campaign will be released throughout the season.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams
Mentioned in this article:
Ipswich Central
Ipswich Town Football Club
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M&S on Westgate Street, Ipswich

Fresh questions raised over M&S's high street future in Ipswich

It has emerged there is no contractual agreement for M&S to maintain its high street store alongside the planned development in Copdock. The revelation comes after council leaders described the deal as "fantastic news for Ipswich" that "secures an ongoing M&S presence in Ipswich town centre." It doesn't.
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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

Health Minister meets Ipswich MPs over cancelled surgery plans

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Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

The government minister responsible for primary care has met with Ipswich's MPs to discuss the cancelled development of a 'super surgery' in north west Ipswich. Stephen Kinnock MP held talks with local representatives following the scrapping of Cardinal Medical Practice's planned development at the former Tooks Bakery site.

Why it matters: The meeting signals high-level government engagement with Ipswich's primary care challenges, particularly in the north west of the town where the cancelled development was planned.

The big picture: The development at the former Tooks Bakery site was intended to create a new 'super surgery' that would embed healthcare services within the local community, aligning with the government's long-term NHS strategy.

Jack Abbott, Patrick Spencer and Health Minister Stephen Kinnock
Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 NovemberOffice of Jack Abbott MP

The details: Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 November:

  • Both MPs emphasised the need for improved primary care in north west Ipswich

  • The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to community-based healthcare

  • The project was meant to align with recommendations from the Darzi Report on NHS strategy

  • No immediate solution was proposed

What they're saying:

  • "I will continue to work with local and national politicians and our local NHS to try and find a workable solution," said Jack Abbott MP

  • Patrick Spencer MP described the cancellation as "bitterly disappointing" for both the medical practice and local residents

  • Spencer added that the promised new 'super surgery' would "deliver exactly what the Government has committed to – health services embedded in the local community"

The bottom line: While the minister has reinforced the government's commitment to community healthcare, no immediate solution has been proposed for the cancelled development. Both MPs have pledged to continue working towards a sustainable solution.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams

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