Why it matters: Originally the Ipswich Oasis project, the stripped-back Town Centre Greening project aims to expand biodiversity and green spaces within the town centre, creating a green route from the town centre to the waterfront whilst improving wellbeing and supporting local businesses through increased footfall.
The details: The Towns Fund-backed scheme will create small-scale greening projects in Princes Street, Queen Street, St Nicholas Street and at Wolsey Square. Each area has a unique character, but continuity of design will link the spaces together, according to the council.
The project will make the best use of available space by creating green opportunities at various heights with native and drought-resistant tree species, perennial planting, mosses, and pollinators.
The original plan: The original Ipswich Oasis project pledged a green corridor featuring plenty of trees, permanent planters with integrated seating, living walls, and an "active mile" featuring exercise equipment, and potentially even a basketball court. Business grants were pledged to enhance the outdoor environment, with the landmark living wall serving as a crown jewel in Ipswich's greening efforts.
Over the past 4-5 years, that project has gradually been stripped back and become the Town Centre Greening project, but it still represents a welcome improvement to the town centre.
What they're saying: Jack Abbott MP for Ipswich said: "We have started to see real signs of progress over the past 18 months, and this Town Centre Greening project is another welcome development as we work to revive Ipswich and restore pride.
"Investing in greener, healthier streets will help how our town looks and feels, but it will improve wellbeing, support local businesses, and create public spaces where people want to spend time."
David Ralph, chair of the Ipswich Vision Board, said: "Greening the town centre, alongside bringing buildings and attractions back into use, has been one of the strategic priorities of the Towns Fund. These projects will help make the town more attractive to residents, workers and visitors, hopefully increasing numbers and the visitor experience."
Council leader Cllr Neil MacDonald added: "Town centre greening through adding trees and planting areas, delivers environmental, social, health and economic advantages. Introducing habitats that support birds, insects and other wildlife, enhancing ecological value."
For context: The Towns Fund is a scheme launched by the previous government for towns such as Ipswich to boost economic productivity and support sustainable growth through investments in urban regeneration, digital and physical connectivity, skills, heritage and enterprise infrastructure. Ipswich was awarded £25 million of funding in 2021.
The bottom line: While lacking the ambition of its original guise, the scaled-back greening project represents the latest step in the Towns Fund regeneration programme, aiming to create more attractive public spaces whilst supporting biodiversity and local business activity in the town centre.
