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Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
Organisation
Description
Ipswich Central is the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre, waterfront, and 'Connected Town' area.
All About Ipswich is the website and social media channels for everything in the town centre. It's operated by Ipswich Central, the BID for Ipswich town centre.
In the news
Ipswich Minster celebrates first Christmas Tree Festival
Ipswich Minster marked a milestone on Friday night as it launched its first Christmas Tree Festival since being granted Minster status this year, with around 100 decorated trees now on display until 7 December.News
'Talk this town up' – Football boss's passionate plea for Ipswich City of Culture bid
Ipswich Town FC chairman Mark Ashton doesn't do half measures, and his speech launching Ipswich's City of Culture bid made that crystal clear – the club's leader wants everyone to stop undermining the town and start celebrating what makes it special as it gears up for its 2029 City of Culture bid.Feature
Ipswich students to create pop-up art trail across town centre
More than 40 young people from four Ipswich secondary schools will paint colourful "key" designs in shop windows and vacant units across the town centre from 17-18 November as part of Youth Voice UNLOCKED.News
Ipswich retailer 'honoured' to share small business concerns with Chancellor at No11
The founder of independent upmarket fashion retailer James St Peter's was among business owners from across the country invited to share first-hand experiences of running SMEs with Chancellor Rachel Reeves at Downing Street.News
Griff Rhys Jones to launch Ipswich waterfront AR experience next week
Actor and heritage enthusiast Griff Rhys Jones will visit Ipswich on Tuesday, 4 November at 14:00 to celebrate the opening of Stoke Bridge Wharf and launch 'Dock Stories', an augmented reality trail revealing the voices and characters behind one of England's most historic ports.News
The Portal: A reflection of Ipswich, in more ways than one
The Cornhill has seen a lot over the years: horse trams, FA Cup parades, a mile-long queue for free hot dogs. Last week, it added a giant oval screen that lets you wave at strangers around the world. We asked the public what they think.Feature
Ipswich Witches to celebrate historic title win at town centre event on Friday
Fans can meet the Premiership-winning speedway team on the Town Hall steps at 12:30 on Friday, 31 October, as Ipswich celebrates its first championship since 1998.News
John Ferguson exhibition brings 40 inspiring photographs to Buttermarket and empty shopfronts
A local photographer whose work is held in the National Portrait Gallery and who has captured images in over 50 countries is bringing 40 of his most inspiring photographs to Ipswich this week, with a free exhibition inside the Buttermarket Centre and images displayed in vacant shopfronts across the town centre.News
Stoke Bridge transformation complete
A two-week regeneration project at Stoke Bridge Wharf has been completed, with new seating, planters and heritage information now in place at the waterfront gateway to Ipswich.News
Police seize £500,000 of cocaine and weapons including ninja swords in Gipping and Westgate wards crackdown
A new policing strategy that has brought together 28 local partner organisations has seized approximately £500,000 worth of cocaine and weapons, including ninja swords and crossbows, in the Gipping and Westgate wards of Ipswich since March.News
Waterfront transformation gathers pace as pedestrian works follow Stoke Bridge viewing platform
The pedestrian improvements are set to begin on Monday and represent the latest phase in Ipswich Waterfront's ongoing regeneration, building on the Stoke Bridge viewing platform project that commenced this week.News
Work begins on Stoke Bridge regeneration project
Two weeks of improvement works have started on Ipswich's waterfront to transform Stoke Bridge into a new viewing platform for residents and visitors.News
St Stephen's Church to air Women's Euro Final as England seek redemption
St Stephen's Church will host a big screen showing of England's Euro 2025 final against Spain on Sunday, 27 July, as the Lionesses bid to overturn their World Cup final heartbreak from 2023.News
Free fashion and music show to transform Cornhill tomorrow afternoon
The Style Edit, organised by Threads for All with support from Ipswich Central, will showcase local retailers alongside live entertainment as part of the town centre's summer programming.News
Ipswich's pink transformation complete as Sheeran fever takes over the town
Pink lights illuminate historic buildings, themed displays fill shop windows, and bunting lines the streets as Ipswich rolls out the ultimate pink carpet for Ed Sheeran's homecoming.News
Willis Building lights up pink ahead of Ed Sheeran concerts
Ipswich's iconic Willis Building has been illuminated pink as part of the town-wide campaign to welcome 90,000 Ed Sheeran fans this week.News
Major local employers unite behind Northern Bypass in bid to end Ipswich's traffic 'stalemate'
Nine major employers have broken their silence on the town's transport crisis, declaring the current situation "simply not acceptable" for a region of such economic significance as they unite behind an Ipswich Northern Bypass bid.News
Join the pink party: Ipswich businesses urged to go pink for Ed Sheeran homecoming
From displaying posters to hosting themed events, here's how Ipswich businesses can get involved in the town's "turn the town pink" celebration ahead of Ed Sheeran's homecoming concerts.News
Indie retailer marks first birthday with free fashion show on Cornhill next weekend
Threads for All is hosting a fashion show featuring local retailers, live music and dance performances on Saturday, 19 July, as it celebrates its first year of trading.News
Ipswich students visit Parliament for careers programme
Forty students from four Ipswich secondary schools experienced Westminster behind the scenes on Monday as part of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project's workplace encounters programme.News
Striking surface art at Ipswich Waterfront could pave the way for more artistic interventions across the town
A new artwork will appear on the pavement at the gateway to Ipswich Waterfront this week, as street art specialists Art Eat bring their creative expertise to an innovative surface painting trial.News
Artist behind iconic Ipswich mural launches legacy collection
John D Edwards, who has lived in Ipswich since 2009, will use exhibition proceeds to establish a permanent gallery of his 50-year career at the Ipswich Institute.News
Ipswich to turn pink for Ed Sheeran homecoming concerts in July
The town centre will be transformed into a sea of pink and host a three-day Fan Zone at Cornhill, as Ipswich celebrates its global superstar's return home for three concerts at Portman Road.News
FORKNIGHT returns to Ipswich with 30+ delicious offers
Now's your chance to discover Ipswich's incredible food scene – special offers await at pubs, cafés and restaurants across the town centre from 19-31 May, as the beloved FORKNIGHT returns after a six-year hiatus.News
New advisory group forms to unite Ipswich's independent business scene
The Ipswich Independents Group aims to strengthen collaboration and communication among town centre businesses in both day and evening economies.News
Sip'swich drinks trail extended until 31 May after high demand
The popular drinks trail run by Ipswich Central will continue for an extra month, giving you more time to collect your stamps and claim free merch.News
New state-of-the-art swimming complex approved for Ipswich
Ipswich Borough Council's ambitious Aquatic Centre plan has secured planning consent, with the facility targeting an "Excellent" BREEAM sustainability rating.News
Former Grimwades building set for revival under council ownership
Ipswich Borough Council has stepped in to rescue the deteriorating Grimwades building, with refurbishment work starting by the end of May.News
Award-winning local artist's work transformed into massive Waterfront display
Ipswich's Waterfront has a striking new landmark after Sammi Wong's World Illustration Award-winning design was unveiled as a giant installation on Paul's silo building.News
Student filmmakers capture Cardinal Wolsey Day celebrations
Ten Year 10 pupils from Northgate High School have produced a film documenting projects from across Ipswich schools funded by the Thomas Wolsey 550 project.News
Ipswich.love: The grassroots platform reframing a town's story
Ipswich.love began with a logo and a feeling. The town deserved better than being a political punchline.Feature
Ipswich taxi drivers mount final stand as council greenlights 'fundamentally essential' Lloyds Avenue revamp
The Ipswich Taxis Alliance is seeking to block the newly-approved £1.4m Lloyds Avenue transformation through traffic regulation challenges, despite widespread support for the project from residents and town centre businesses.News
Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail
Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.News
Businesses invited to share insights in regional tourism survey
Larking Gowen has launched its Tourism Business Survey 2025 for businesses to contribute opinions and gain insights into the tourism industry.News
To thrive, or not survive – that is the question
Ipswich's high street must evolve beyond traditional retail or risk disappearing completely, local leaders warn at the Digital Ipswich Innovation Showcase launch event.News
Sip'Swich: Two new pub trails launched in Ipswich town centre
Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central have created historic and dog-friendly pub trails across 15 town centre venues, with stamps earning participants special prizes.News
Independent business forum resurfaces tensions between council parking strategy and town centre prosperity
Ipswich Borough Council's parking strategy came under scrutiny at an independent business forum yesterday, as traders argued lower fees would increase town centre footfall and help customers spend more at their businesses.News
Ipswich Central partners with Brighten The Corners to expand music festivals
Two music festivals will take place in Ipswich in 2025 through a new partnership between Ipswich Central and Brighten The Corners.News
Free Thursday afternoon parking launched in response to council price hikes
As residents brace themselves for price increases at all council-owned car parks, a new initiative from Ipswich Central and Apex Parking, the company that operates the Blackfriars car park on Foundation Street, will offer free town centre parking after 3pm on Thursdays.News
£2m Neptune Marina revamp to begin in March
Work to transform Ipswich's Neptune Marina with new pontoons and facilities is set to start this spring and be completed in the summer.News
Ipswich Central bolsters board in bid to boost town centre
Ipswich Central has expanded its board with nine new local business leaders as it prepares to double down on street security and events to grow town centre footfall.News
Ipswich residents urged to share their views on the town in new survey
Ipswich Central, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Ipswich's town centre, waterfront, and the 'Connected Town' area, is calling on residents to share constructive feedback through a new public survey.News
Join fellow Traitors fans for dramatic finale screening in Ipswich
As The Traitors' most successful series yet draws to a close, St Stephen's Church will host a free community screening of the finale that's expected to draw millions of viewers nationwide.News
New powers to tackle street drinking and boost town centre safety in Ipswich
Private security officers patrolling Ipswich town centre have been granted new powers to tackle alcohol-related nuisance, as part of ongoing efforts to create a more welcoming environment for shoppers and visitors.News
Christmas markets draw big crowds to Ipswich town centre
Ipswich town centre was bustling this weekend as two Christmas events attracted shoppers and families to enjoy festive entertainment and support local makers and retailers.News
The Very Suffolk Christmas festival is coming to Ipswich town centre – here's what you need to know
A new Christmas festival celebrating Suffolk culture will take over Ipswich's Cornhill later this month, featuring local food, crafts and a tractor trail – all while raising money for mental health.News
Local business leader Steve Flory to chair Ipswich Central
Lifelong Ipswich resident and Hudson Group boss Steve Flory has been named as the new chair of Ipswich Central, pledging to transform the town centre into a "safer, more welcoming place."News
National small business roadshow to visit Ipswich next week
A nationwide tour celebrating small businesses will make Ipswich one of its 23 stops this November, ahead of Small Business Saturday in December.News
'Fantastic news for Ipswich': Council leaders back M&S expansion plans
Local leaders have welcomed M&S's commitment to Ipswich as the retailer announces plans to maintain its town centre presence while opening a new store at Copdock. The development will support Suffolk farmers and create new jobs.News
How the Wolsey 550 project has transformed local history education in Ipswich
From Tudor gaming to legal career workshops, an 18-month heritage project has used Cardinal Wolsey's remarkable rise from humble Ipswich beginnings to inspire thousands of local students.News
Council gets new powers to auction empty Ipswich shops
Ipswich Borough Council will gain new powers next month to auction off long-term empty shops in the town centre. The High Street Rental Auctions scheme aims to tackle the problem of persistently vacant properties by allowing local authorities to step in after shops have been empty for more than a year.News
New outdoor exhibition space opens at New Wolsey Theatre
Four giant exhibition cubes have been installed outside the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich to showcase local initiatives and celebrate the town. The first exhibition features 'love letters' to Ipswich from local residents.News
Town centre businesses unite as Christmas tree takes pride of place on Cornhill
Ipswich's 40ft Christmas tree was installed on the Cornhill this morning, marking an early start to the town's festive season.News
Ipswich prepares for its biggest-ever Christmas programme
Theatres, museums, archives and arts venues across Ipswich have joined forces to deliver the town's largest-ever festive entertainment programme, featuring 237 performances and 77 exhibition days across eight venues.News
Football fan art to brighten empty shop windows in Ipswich town centre
Empty shop windows in Ipswich town centre will be transformed with large-scale football fan art ahead of each Ipswich Town FC home game. The first posters have already appeared in the former H&M building ahead of Saturday's match against Leicester City.News
Ipswich police and businesses unite to tackle retail crime ahead of Safer Business Week
Suffolk police hosted a forum to address retail crime, bringing together law enforcement, businesses, and community organisations. The event showcased collaborative efforts to protect staff and combat theft.News
Last chance to dive into history as Broomhill Lido opens for Heritage Open Days
Ipswich residents will have a final opportunity to explore the iconic Broomhill Lido before its £10.25 million restoration begins during the Heritage Open Days event on 14-15 September 2024.News
Thomas Wolsey 550 project celebrates success and new funding
The Thomas Wolsey 550 project has concluded its public programme after 550 days, marking a significant milestone for Ipswich's cultural heritage. The initiative has also secured additional funding to continue its education work until March 2025.News
Order in the court: Ipswich residents invited to play magistrate for a day
Ipswich residents can step into the shoes of a magistrate on Saturday, 14 September, as the town's Magistrates Court opens its doors to the public for Heritage Open Days 2024.News
Unravel the art of lacemaking at Christchurch Mansion this Heritage Open Day
Ipswich residents can explore the intricate world of bobbin lacemaking as Suffolk Lacemakers showcase their craft at Christchurch Mansion on Sunday 15 September 2024, as part of Heritage Open Days.News
Terry Baxter to step down as Ipswich Central chair
Terry Baxter has announced he will leave his role as Chair of Ipswich Central, the town's Business Improvement District, at the end of 2024.News
Ipswich set for street art spectacle with Wild Walls Festival
Ipswich is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of street art and community spirit this September as the Wild Walls Festival transforms the town with murals, workshops, and family-friendly events.News
Premier League impact on Ipswich to be captured in year-long photo project
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.News
Young people invited to join Wild Walls urban art programme in Ipswich
A new urban art programme called Wild Walls is set to transform Ipswich this summer and autumn, offering young people aged 14-30 the chance to create murals and virtual reality graffiti art alongside established street artists.News
Lee Walker appointed CEO of Ipswich Central
Ipswich Central has announced the appointment of Lee Walker as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 July 2024.News
Ipswich Central outlines expectations for new MP candidates ahead of general election
Ipswich Central has announced six key expectations for candidates in the upcoming general election to ensure the town’s continued growth and prosperity.News
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