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Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Ipswich Town Deal projects progress with £25m investment

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A £25 million government investment is driving forward ten major projects to regenerate Ipswich town centre.

The Town Deal Board and Ipswich Borough Council's Executive will review significant progress this week.

Key developments:

  • The Greener Ipswich project aims to improve biodiversity and create a green trail from Lloyds Avenue to the Waterfront

  • Lloyds Avenue to get new seating, business areas, and green space

  • Refurbishment planned for the disused River Orwell bridge to create a circular pedestrian and cycling route

  • Digital initiatives including augmented reality walking trails, with the next trail unveiling on 20 July

  • The All About Ipswich website revamp is nearing completion, offering comprehensive visitor information

A photo of The Botanist, a bar in Ipswich
Some funds have already been used to part-fund The Botanist in Ipswich Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Why it matters: These projects seek to revitalise the Ipswich town centre, boost local businesses, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Progress so far:

  • Completed projects include the Integrated Care Academy at the University of Suffolk and the Net Zero Skills Centre at Suffolk New College 

  • 28 shopping parades have seen improvements like resurfacing and new benches

  • Shops in these areas can now apply for £5,000 grants for storefront upgrades

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "We are committed to the delivery of our Towns Fund projects, which are set to make a real difference to the people who visit and who call Ipswich home. I'm delighted to see so many of these significant schemes gather momentum, as we make progress along with our many partners to revitalise and reinvigorate the town."

What's next: The Ipswich Borough Council Executive will meet on 16 July at 6pm to discuss further details and next steps for the Town Deal projects.

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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