Ipswich Central propose changes to town centre to council

Ipswich Central has recently submitted a comprehensive proposal to Suffolk County Council for the 'Ipswich Investment Fund'.

This would further enhance Ipswich with the creation of a Wolsey Heritage Zone, which will go from the top of St Nicholas Street to Stoke Bridge.

This would involve The Saints, St Peter's Church and St Peter's Dock.

The proposed projects are transforming Stoke Bridge into 'Wolsey's Bridge' and utilising digital technology to provide a glimpse into the Waterfront's industrial heritage.

A look at how the bridge would look, with the gallery overlooking the waterfront. Credit: Ipswich Central (Image: Ipswich Central)

The bridge, owned by Suffolk County Council, and the areas around it, are marked as Ipswich's oldest settlement points.

The proposal would rename the location as Wolsey's Bridge and turn it into a viewing gallery over the Waterfront.

It would also create a Tudor-style garden which would be created between the former R.W.Paul's building and the closed slip road, where there is currently a car park.

The St Peter's Dock silo will be redeveloped after being acquired by Ipswich Borough Council.

An artists impression of how the building and Tudor-style garden will look. Credit: Ipswich Central (Image: Ipswich Central)

The proposal also states that they want to transform the St Nicholas Centre, where Thomas Wolsey is believed to have been christened, into a heritage centre.

This would require Suffolk County Council to buy the building, which is currently priced at £1,250,000.

They would also adjust the access to Cromwell Square Car Park and pedestrianise the northern section of St Nicholas Street, making the area safer for cyclists and walkers through The Saints, with it being the key connection between the town centre and the Waterfront.

This would mean that a new entrance would be created to the car park off Franciscan Way, closing off the current entrance and converting it into a green space in conjunction with the Greener Ipswich project.

An impression of how The Saints area will look being a walking and cycling area. Credit: Ipswich Central (Image: Ipswich Central)

Traffic flow surrounding St Peter's by the Waterfront church will be adjusted, and the funding would also be put towards further investment in developing local skills, career opportunities and aspirations for young people, and boost the Wolsey 550 project.

Additional funding to the project would help Ipswich Central to deliver workshops to young people offering 'real life' insightes into work, and offer digital skills workshops and resources to share to schools.

Terry Baxter, chair of Ipswich Central, said: "These projects align with our vision for Connected Town, which aims to provide improved travel options, greener spaces, and more community areas.

"By investing in these initiatives, we seek to create a town centre that not only celebrates our history but also meets the needs and aspirations of our residents and visitors

Terry Baxter, chair of Ipswich Central. Credit: Ipswich Central (Image: Ipswich Central)

"Working together we can unlock the full potential of our town centre, ensuring its continued growth, vibrancy and prosperity."

Terry Hunt, chair of Thomas Wolsey 550, said: "The intention of the Thomas Wolsey 550 project is to leave a lasting legacy, and the creation of a Thomas Wolsey Heritage Zone would fulfil this.

"The benefits of a Heritage Zone would have a positive impact on both businesses and residents of Ipswich."

Terry Hunt with Ipswich Central CEO, Sophie Alexander-Parker at the Thomas Wolsey statue. Credit: Ipswich Central (Image: Ipswich Central)

The proposal features a list of why they should be given the funding, with it stating that Heritage Zones bring in more visitors.

According to Aecom, in Ipswich, a 20% increase in day visits would bring £40.9 million a year to the local economy.

They also increase the time people stay in places, which for the town, if a visitor stayed just one hour longer, it would add £23.5 million to the economy in the town.

The heritage zone being proposed in Ipswich. Credit: Ipswich Central (Image: Ipswich Central)