Work to begin on Arras Square after six years and £313k in costs

Why it matters: Arras Square sits at the heart of Ipswich town centre, and its long-promised transformation has been years in the making. Residents who waited to see the benefits of a project that has consumed significant public funds through planning, design and administrative costs — all before any construction work has begun — can finally expect to see the project begin.

The details: Local company Brooks & Wood Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor, with works due to start on Monday, 22 June 2026, and expected to be completed by Christmas 2026.

• The project will be delivered in four planned phases to ensure pedestrian access through the Square is maintained throughout.
• The improvements will include new and relayed paving, a disabled access ramp, additional bins, new CCTV and lighting, seating and benches, and replacement trees.
• The scheme will also introduce demountable bollards in St Stephen's Lane to support pedestrianisation, alongside a new information board featuring a French post box and a mural celebrating Ipswich's historic links with Arras.

The big picture: The council first drew up plans for Arras Square around 2020, appointing architect Erect Architecture for £69,990 to deliver an original scheme. That scheme was put on hold in 2022 after Suffolk Police raised concerns, having recorded nearly 300 reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity in the area since 2018. Police requested modifications, including full-site CCTV, additional lighting and railings to protect the historic tombstones.

By the time the original scheme was paused, Erect Architecture's fees had grown to £100,583. The council renegotiated a fresh contract with the same firm — at £88,905 — to lead design work on a revised, reduced-scope scheme.

By the numbers: A Freedom of Information request obtained by Ipswich.co.uk, revealed that the council has spent £313,689.08 on the Arras Square project since 2000:

• Planning and design costs: £105,583.30
• Consultation fees: £15,242.28
• Administrative costs (including officer time): £192,863.50

On top of that, the council has allocated £906,930 for the 2025/26 financial year, with no additional approved spending beyond that figure. It is not clear whether the proposed work can be delivered within that budget.

What they're saying: Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "This is an exciting step forward for Arras Square and the wider town centre. These improvements will create a more attractive, safer and accessible space for residents, businesses and visitors to enjoy.

"We know how important it is to support local businesses during this time, which is why the works have been carefully phased to maintain access and minimise disruption as much as possible. Once complete, the scheme will help transform the area into a more welcoming and pedestrian-friendly space, while celebrating Ipswich's unique heritage and connections with Arras."

What's next: Local businesses and the Arras Society have been consulted on the plans and will continue to be kept informed throughout the project. Updates will be shared via letter drops ahead of each phase, including detailed information such as site layouts and traffic management arrangements.

The bottom line: With a contractor now appointed and construction due to start this month, Arras Square is set to be transformed by Christmas 2026 — bringing a long-awaited improvement to one of Ipswich town centre's most prominent public spaces.

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