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Council to buy vacant stores as part of £13m revival bid

Ben Parker/BBC Debenhams IpswichBen Parker/BBC
Debenhams closed its doors in 2021 and has been vacant ever since

A council plans to spend £13m on projects to revive its town.

Ipswich Borough Council has designated more than half of its £25m Town Deal funding, granted in 2021, to town rejuvenation projects.

The plans include buying vacant buildings, improving local shopping parades and creating digital spaces.

As part of the project, Labour council leader Neil MacDonald said: "We must bring unused properties back to life."

Ben Parker/BBC Locally-known Grimwade buildingBen Parker/BBC
Known locally as Grimwades, the building has been empty for over a decade

"A portion of those funds will be used to generate mixed usage opportunities for unoccupied buildings," he continued.

In total, £7.9m has been earmarked for the Town Centre Regeneration Fund project.

If proposals are approved, the council will buy vacant buildings to "do them up and move them on" said Mr MacDonald.

They will allocate funds to help accelerate stalled developments.

Shannon Eustace/BBC The Botanist IpswichShannon Eustace/BBC
The former Post Office building received £230,000 and now houses the eatery The Botanist

A further £2.8m has been designated for the Local Shopping Parades project, which could see the installation of new benches, CCTV and planters along the high street.

An element of the scheme will see local community groups receive grants, so they can improve their facilities.

Mr MacDonald said: "Improvements to our local shopping parades will encourage more visitors, longer stays, and more spend in the shops."

Azzouz El-Mahraoui, chair of Shopping Parade Taskforce, said: "Our aim is to establish safe areas where residents and communities can spend time, creating vibrant shopping facilities which are used by all."

Shannon Eustace/BBC Lloyds Avenue IpswichShannon Eustace/BBC
According to Neil MacDonald, the Towns Fund will pay for the repaving of Lloyds Avenue

The Digital Town Centre project has also secured £2.34m from the Towns Fund.

The council plans to create a "destination website" and install digital information boards, providing essential information for visitors.

"By revitalising our town centre, we will increase footfall, create economic growth, and attract investors," said Mr MacDonald.

He stated that all funds would be spent "wisely" but the council was interested in hearing from local people with innovative ideas.

All proposals will be discussed by the executive in a meeting on 31 October.

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