Have your say on how £1.5m should be spent on Ipswich town centre

Why it matters: The consultation allows residents, community groups and local organisations to shape how £1.5 million in government funding will be invested in Ipswich town centre over the next two years.

The details: The funding was announced last month through the Government's Pride in Place programme, which Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said will "accelerate regeneration and give residents a genuine say over how local money is spent."

Under the programme:

• Local people will be empowered to bring boarded-up shops back into use
• Communities will be able to save derelict pubs, clubs, sports facilities, parks and cultural venues
• Councils will be able to block unwanted betting shops, vape stores and businesses that do not serve the community
• New Community Right to Buy and compulsory purchase powers will ensure derelict or abandoned buildings can be turned into homes, health facilities, youth spaces or business hubs

What they're saying: "Our Labour Government's Pride in Place programme will give our town the power and resources to bring empty buildings back into use, block unwanted incoming businesses while supporting existing local businesses, safeguard treasured community spaces, and make sure investment reflects the priorities of the people who live here," said Mr Abbott.

"This is our town and our chance to shape its future. Together, we can restore pride in Ipswich and create a town centre that is safe, vibrant, and thriving once again."

For context: Mr Abbott described the investment as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity" for Ipswich to choose renewal over managed decline.

Ipswich has already seen signs of renewal, according to Mr Abbott. The long-empty Grimwades building on Cornhill has been brought back into use and is now home to Jamaica Blue. Local initiatives tackling street drinking and rogue traders, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, are helping make the town centre safer, cleaner and more welcoming, he said.

What's next: Residents can complete a short survey on Jack Abbott's website. The feedback will be shared with Ipswich Borough Council and used to help shape the projects delivered through the Pride in Place fund.

The bottom line: While £1.5 million alone will not transform Ipswich town centre overnight, the funding offers residents a direct opportunity to influence how it is spent and shape what projects could deliver meaningful change in their community.

Have your say