Ipswich Town Deal Vision Board wants to fill empty shops

The Ipswich Town Deal Vision Board has announced it will soon be asking developers, property owners and leaseholders to come forward as part of its aim to bring empty properties back to use.

Ipswich secured £8m through the Department of Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities Town Fund to stop properties from being vacant.

The Regeneration Fund is meant to help revive, rejuvenate and increase footfall in the town centre, as well as create a vibrant and attractive town centre.

The council has said that through the fund, Ipswich will 'become a place that is well-used day and night and is attractive to investors, businesses, and us as a place of choice to visit and stay.'

Empty shops will be filled through the project (Image: Newsquest)

Projects that will activate empty properties and generate higher footfall to the town centre could be eligible for funds to be spent by February 2026.

David Ralph, chair of the Ipswich Town Deal Vision Board, said: "I am pleased that Ipswich is soon to launch two strands of its Town Deal Regeneration Fund.

"Projects supported through the Fund will change the face of the town, bringing it to life during the day and into the evening.

"I look forward to seeing the exciting and innovative projects."

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council leader (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council leader, added: "Recognising that the town centre needs more than retail properties to ensure it is vibrant and well-used is a key part of our place-based strategy for Ipswich.

"We hope the Regeneration Fund will deliver some brilliant projects that bring a new mix of uses to the town."

For more information, or to talk to someone about a potential project, please email: towns.fund@ipswich.gov.uk