£7.9m to bring Ipswich's empty buildings back into use

Councillors in Ipswich will discuss putting £7.9 million into bringing empty buildings back into use.

The borough council’s executive will be asked to approve the cash from its £25m Towns Deal funding at its Tuesday, October 31 meeting.

The council seeks to make the town centre more appealing to visitors, increase footfall and boost business and investment confidence. The proposal will support giving the council power intervene in some cases.

The move will involve commercial and residential properties.

Cllr Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “As part of Ipswich Borough Council’s commitment to creating a thriving town centre, we must bring unused properties back to life.

“The Town Centre Regeneration Fund is part of the £25m Towns Deal, and a portion of those funds will be used to generate mixed usage opportunities for unoccupied buildings.

“By revitalising our town centre, we will increase footfall, create economic growth, and attract investors to our town.”

David Ralph, chair of the vision board, said: “By reducing the number of vacant properties and encouraging mixed usage, through both residential or commercial use, this project aims to revive, rejuvenate, and increase footfall in Ipswich town centre.

“A mix of interventions are proposed to deliver this project, which will support short term wins, whilst we consider the long-term complexities of the UK high street.”

Image: Google

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