The Ipswich Star has announced it will be supporting a fresh bid to gain city status for Ipswich.
The Future City campaign, led by Ipswich Central, looks to inform people of the benefits of city status - with speculation continuing to mount over whether King Charles' Coronation in May will be marked by a new competition.
Ipswich Star editor Liz Nice said: "I am proud of Ipswich and believe in our county town. That is why we are supporting Ipswich Central and their campaign to make Ipswich Suffolk's first city.
"We need to stop putting ourselves down, be proud of where we come from and look to the future.
"From our wonderful restaurants to our thriving arts and culture, our beautiful Waterfront to our award-winning university, this diverse town truly has so much to offer.
"Not to mention that Ipswich Town are currently on the up again.
"This year we mark the Wolsey 550, showcasing our historical significance to the rest of the nation.
"City status is about pride, positivity and putting Ipswich on the map as a destination for tourism, investment and new businesses.
"We are a historic town and I believe now is the time for us to become a historic city."
Speaking on the campaign, Sophie Alexander-Parker, chief executive of Ipswich Central, said: "The benefits of Ipswich being granted city status are enormous.
"It would attract greater investment, new businesses, highlight our arts and culture and it would put our place on the map for the right reasons.
"There is so much that city status can add to a place. Whilst the individual benefits can be difficult to quantify, the overall ‘point’ of achieving city status is simple: to make Ipswich better for everyone, for the future."
Earlier this month, Ipswich mayor John Cook said it would "demonstrate Ipswich is a place moving forward and not looking back".
A number of businesses across the town have also announced their support.
"It's all about aspiration," said Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone in St Peter's Street.
"If you become a city, there will be more interest in the area, bringing more investment, tourism and opportunities for future generations.
"Contrary to what some people might say, we are good enough.
"This would raise our profile and bring a lot of prestige.
"It doesn't cost anything but the gain would be enormous."
Dave Courteen, the owner of Riverhills Health Club & Spa in Bramford, also announced his support for a new bid.
"Becoming a city would really help to attract more guests and tourism to the area," he said.
"Ipswich is the county town of Suffolk and it often gets overlooked - so it should be the county's first city.
"There's no reason not to support this."
Though a new competition for the King's Coronation is yet to be confirmed, the Future City campaign is in standby for any potential opportunities that may come.
"We have engaged with the business community and also residents, our website provides a platform were we can answer any questions/concerns that people may have about what this would mean for them," added Sophie Alexander-Parker.
"Ultimately, this is Ipswich’s opportunity to create a new narrative.
"Changing from a town to a city would demonstrate to the world that Ipswich is a place moving forward, not looking back - a place not to be ignored and that is ready for the future.
"This new narrative can be hugely beneficial for enticing tourists, attracting investment, and strengthening civic pride.
"We have so much to offer and city status would give us an even bigger platform to shout about it from, not just nationally but internationally."
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