Why it matters: Ipswich will become the first place in the UK to host a portal, placing the town alongside other cities including Dublin, Philadelphia and Vilnius. It's hoped that the project will help rejuvenate the town centre, attract new visitors, support local businesses, and promote Ipswich as a place of culture, connectivity and global relevance.
The details: The portal will allow passers-by to see and interact with people in other locations around the globe. The installation rotates live feeds from other global locations, offering a unique experience for residents and visitors alike.
Created by Lithuanian artist and entrepreneur Benediktas Gylys, the portal is designed to foster global connection and cultural exchange through technology and art.
The big picture: The installation is part of the Digital Ipswich programme, delivered by Ipswich Borough Council through the government-funded Towns Fund investment.
The project was chosen to boost visitor numbers, increase footfall and dwell time in the town centre, and place Ipswich alongside other "forward-thinking" cities around the world, but it hasn't been without its critics, many of whom argue that the portal will become a magnet for antisocial behaviour and that funding could have been better deployed to other projects in the town centre.
What they're saying: Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "It's a powerful symbol of unity and innovation, allowing people to see and connect with others across the globe - right from the heart of our town. More cities are joining the movement, but Ipswich will always be the UK's first!"
The bottom line: Despite concerns from critics about antisocial behaviour and funding priorities, the council believes the Portal will help create a thriving town centre and put Ipswich on the international map.
