A "once in a generation" package of funding worth £25m has been secured for Ipswich following a top-level meeting on Wednesday. 

The news follows concerns that the Town Deal - which will help to deliver 11 projects proposed by Ipswich Borough Council's Town Deal Board - may fall through.

Ipswich Star: The meeting was called by Dehenna Davison, parliamentary under-secretary of state for levelling up. Credit: PAThe meeting was called by Dehenna Davison, parliamentary under-secretary of state for levelling up. Credit: PA (Image: PA)

But following a meeting with a government minister on Wednesday, IBC leader David Ellesmere confirmed the money had now been secured.

"Today’s ministerial meeting confirmed that the Council has submitted all the necessary business cases and the £25m Town deal for Ipswich is secure," he said. 

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Borough Council leader David Ellesmere. Credit: NewsquestIpswich Borough Council leader David Ellesmere. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"We look forward to delivering the projects which will make such a difference to the Town."

The Borough Council's handling of the Deal had faced criticism from Ipswich MPs Tom Hunt and Dan Poulter, who said they had "lost confidence" in the authority before calling for external consultants to help Ipswich "secure the necessary funding from Government".

Ipswich Star: MP Dan Poulter joined his colleague Tom Hunt in expressing his concern over the council's handling of the Town Deal. Credit: NewsquestMP Dan Poulter joined his colleague Tom Hunt in expressing his concern over the council's handling of the Town Deal. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Archant)

Dehenna Davison, parliamentary under-secretary of state for levelling up, subsequently wrote to new IBC chief executive Helen Pluck requesting meeting and calling for all "outstanding information" to be submitted by March 31.

This meeting was attended by the minister, Ms Pluck, Tom Hunt and Dan Poulter.

Ipswich Star: New IBC chief executive Helen Pluck. Credit: Ipswich Borough CouncilNew IBC chief executive Helen Pluck. Credit: Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

Speaking afterwards, Mr Hunt said: "I’m pleased that finally all the information has been supplied to the Government for all projects.

"I really hope that before the deadline all the funding can be released.

"This has been far more arduous than it should have been and as far as I’m concerned the Labour led borough council hasn’t covered itself in glory.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich MP Tom Hunt said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting. Credit: Office of Tom HuntIpswich MP Tom Hunt said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting. Credit: Office of Tom Hunt (Image: House of Commons)

"However, under the new chief executive, we have seen more urgency and I feel the projects are now being gripped more than they were.

"I’m now keen to draw a line under this stage and to work closely with all partners to ensure the swift delivery of all projects.”