Funding worth £2 million has been agreed to help Ipswich "maximise its potential".

The money was earmarked by Suffolk County Council in a bid to deliver on 20 recommendations for the town set out by the authority's cross-party Policy Development Panel (PDP). 

Ipswich Star: The funding was approved by Suffolk County Council. Credit: Sarah Lucy BrownThe funding was approved by Suffolk County Council. Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Newsquest)

These proposals including supporting a new city bid, making Ipswich a destination of choice for residents and boosting employment opportunities for young people.

A full list of the recommendations can be found here. 

Funding was agreed at Suffolk County Council's Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. 

Conservative Cllr Nadia Cenci, who chaired the PDP panel, said the recommendations came after the Panel looked "at Ipswich as the county town to enhance its offerings and how it is viewed". 

Ipswich Star: Cllr Nadia Cenci, who chaired the PDP. Credit: NewsquestCllr Nadia Cenci, who chaired the PDP. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

She added: "I really want to see these recommendations happen and we all want this to be achieved."

Labour Cllr Sarah Adams, who was also a part of the PDP, said: "One of key things raised by witnesses was the problem with politics. 

"If we don't get behind everything that is going to be done, it won't happen. 

"We can't have just more squabbling because that won't be helpful. 

Ipswich Star: Cllr Sarah Adams, who was also a part of the PDP. Credit: NewsquestCllr Sarah Adams, who was also a part of the PDP. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"I hope the PDP continues to be cross-party and that we genuinely work together to make this happen.

"This is an enormous opportunity for all of us."

Other key recommendations from the PDP's report included supporting the Chamber of commerce in exploring opportunities to enhance Ipswich as a 'Tech leader' and to commission projects that celebrate the town.

Ipswich Star: Cllr Richard Rout said the money will be seen and felt across Ipswich. Credit: Suffolk County CouncilCllr Richard Rout said the money will be seen and felt across Ipswich. Credit: Suffolk County Council (Image: Suffolk County Council)

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting, the cabinet's vice chairman, Cllr Richard Rout, said: "This £2 million will be seen and felt across Ipswich. 

"It will be brilliant to see these projects come to fruition over the next few years."