Ipswich City of Culture would be supported by new council

The council, which is campaigning for the 'One Suffolk' council proposal to replace the current six, promised "any proposal which backs Ipswich should be seized with both hands".

Suffolk County Council said it would also support a bid for the town to become a city.

Calls for the town to become the next City of Culture have been driven by Ipswich MP Jack Abbott, as well as leaders from the town's arts, music and leisure scene and Ipswich Borough Council.

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott with leaders from the town's creative industry over the City of Culture bid(Image: Office of Jack Abbott)

With the borough council set to be replaced by a new authority under local government reorganisation by 2028, a bid for the 2029 City of Culture would be carried out by the new organisation.

Richard Rout, the cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs (nationally significant infrastructure projects) at Suffolk County Council, said that the One Suffolk proposal would support a bid and that the strength of the county depends on its county town.

Any applicant for City of Culture does not require official city status - however, Mr Rout has said that One Suffolk would also support the latest bid for the town to gain city status.

Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for devolution, local government reorganisation and NSIPs(Image: Suffolk County Council)

He said: “A strong Ipswich leads to a strong Suffolk, so any proposal which backs Ipswich – whether that is on the path to achieving city status or in a future bid to be City of Culture – should be seized with both hands.

“It is clear that a single council for Suffolk would be best for Ipswich. Our One Suffolk plan would enhance the town’s economic potential, through additional funding, revitalising the town centre and creating a new town council.

"This would all be made possible because of the millions saved through efficiencies - money that can and should be invested in Suffolk and not wasted on bureaucracy."

Suffolk County Council officially agreed on the plans for 'One Suffolk' in September, with those plans then submitted to the government.

The district and borough councils are, however, pushing forward an alternative plan which would see the six councils replaced by three unitary authorities.