Ipswich set for £11 million boost to regenerate the Waterfront
The money will be spent on two bridges, among other things
Last updated 14th Mar 2023
Around £11m is expected to be invested into a plan to build two new bridges on Ipswich Waterfront - as well as other projects around the town.
Next week, councillors will be asked to reaffirm the county council’s multi million pound commitment to two new bridges.
This will come alongside creating a £2 million programme to support regeneration and community improvements across the town, which would include improving 5G connectivity and the county's leisure centres.
The plans suggest £10.8 million would be split between the following projects:
- Delivery of Prince Philip Lock pedestrian and cycle bridge at Ipswich Wet Dock project - circa £6 million with an additional £1.31 million secured from the Government’s Town Deal Funding
- If approved, the council says the bridge would complete a circular route around Ipswich Wet Dock and help facilitate the broader regeneration of Ipswich Waterfront.
- Commitment of a contribution towards delivering New Cut Bridge - £2.8 million
- This bridge would provide additional walking and cycling benefits, as well as reduced journey times, according to the council. However, further external funding would be required to deliver this project.
- Recommendations from the Ipswich PDP - £2 million
- The council says this money will go towards a range of recommendations which have come forward from the Ipswich PDP, and include boosting opportunities for young people, working with partners to develop the town’s arts, culture and leisure offer, improving connectivity via 5G technology and enhancing sustainable travel options.
Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said:
“We are committed alongside our partners to forge ahead with our plans to regenerate these key locations in Ipswich.
“Our driving force behind these plans have focussed heavily on the council’s key objectives to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents, strengthen Suffolk’s economy, protecting and enhancing our environment and ultimately provide value for money for the taxpayer.
“As an Ipswich resident and keen advocate of active travel, I am in full support of these plans and am confident in the long term they will improve accessibility, decrease journey times, reinvigorate the local environment, and ultimately support with our aims of reducing carbon.
“There are countless benefits to be enjoyed by those living, working and visiting Ipswich and we are committed to making these plans a reality. If approved, we will continue to work with our partners across the town to see these projects come to fruition.”