A new chief executive for Ipswich Central has been appointed with a focus on increasing safety and celebrating the town.

Lee Walker will take over as the chief executive officer at Ipswich Central, the Business Improvement District for Ipswich town centre, next Monday.

Mr Walker most recently worked as the director of the Nottingham Project and worked alongside internationally-renowned designer Thomas Heatherwick on the revisioning of the Broadmarsh, the biggest development space in a city centre in Europe.

Mr Walker said: "I am proud to be from Ipswich and to call it home. 

Lee Walker will take over from Sophie Alexander-ParkerLee Walker will take over from Sophie Alexander-Parker (Image: Simply C Photography)

"It's a home for me and my family but also home to an amazing community and businesses that range from small independents to a Premier League football team.

"I want to play a part in making sure that we seize the opportunity to shout loudly and proudly about Ipswich to the global audience we now have and celebrate everything that is great about our town.

"My priority is for Ipswich Central to deliver for the town and for Ipswich to be cleaner and feel safer than ever.

"This is why we have a dedicated on-street security presence and will help businesses by increasing the appeal of the town as a place to visit.

"Beyond this, I believe in the power of a strong and empowered cultural, creative and heritage sector and have seen first-hand what a difference that can make to a place.

"Ipswich Central has already led some incredible work throughout the Thomas Wolsey 550 project and I believe we can build on this, giving potential visitors a powerful reason to choose Ipswich and enjoy Suffolk's county town."

Mr Walker takes over from the former chief executive, Sophie Alexander-Parker, who left her post in April.