Empty buildings in the town centre may be brought back to life and events hosted on the Cornhill almost weekly to make Ipswich "vibrant and enjoyable".

Ipswich Borough Council has unveiled its new Cornhill Strategy, to be considered at the council’s executive meeting on Tuesday, August 8.

Plans include full CCTV coverage, good lighting, regular pressure washing and sweeping of the streets.

There are also talks of an "events and enlivenment programme", bringing an event to the Cornhill nearly every week. 

The council will also continue to bring empty buildings back into use and may introduce Compulsory Purchase powers for this, such as in the case of the Grimwades building, and ensure vacant premises are visually appealing.

The area is within a Central Conservation Area in the Ipswich Local Plan due to its ancient streets and many listed buildings and buildings of special local interest.

The strategy lists recent improvements to the area, such as The Botanist occupying the former Post Office, a re-vamped Town Hall with a register office, and the St Elizabeth Hospice’s Moments Coffee Shop.

The Cornhill Strategy also mentions providing interactive vertical water jets with lights, which can be choreographed for a show or used as night lighting.

Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “The Cornhill should be the beating heart of our town centre. This dedicated strategy sets out what we will do to make it that vibrant heart, building on recent investment and activities.

"We want the town centre to be a place where our community, our businesses and our visitors all feel safe and welcome and to experience the best that Ipswich has to offer.

"A lot of work has gone into the development of the Cornhill, with this strategy cementing plans to build and regenerate the area in the years to come.”

The strategy is in partnership with Ipswich Central, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Constabulary and landlords.