A new Waterfront bridge worth more than £7 million has been confirmed as part of a £10.8 million improvement fund for Ipswich.

The Prince Philip Lock bridge - which would be built at the town's Wet Dock Project - will be voted on at a Suffolk County Council Cabinet meeting next Tuesday. 

It will cost £6 million plus a further £1.31m secured from the government's Town Deal Funding.

Ipswich Star: If approved, the bridge would create a circular route around Ipswich Wet Dock. Credit: NewsquestIf approved, the bridge would create a circular route around Ipswich Wet Dock. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

If approved, the bridge would create a circular route around Ipswich Wet Dock, providing public access to the Ipswich Island site and helping facilitate the "broader regeneration of Ipswich Waterfront".

The project will benefit from the wider regeneration fund worth £10.8 million.

£2.8m has been reserved for a New Cut Bridge which will also located on the Waterfront.

However, with this project being larger than the Prince Philip Lock crossing, the Council says it will need external funding before work can begin.

The remaining £2 million has been earmarked to deliver on a range of recommendations which have come forward from the Ipswich Policy Development Panel.

These recommendations include boosting employment opportunities for young people, working with partners to develop the town’s arts, culture and leisure offer, improving connectivity via 5G technology, enhancing sustainable travel options and committing to an Ipswich city status bid.

Ipswich Star: Cllr Paul West said the plans will provide value for money for the taxpayer. Credit: Rachel EdgeCllr Paul West said the plans will provide value for money for the taxpayer. Credit: Rachel Edge (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: "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.

"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."