The MP for Ipswich has said 'he couldn't be more proud' after he secured £20million worth of funding to regenerate south-west Ipswich.
Jack Abbott said that the transformational funding for Stoke Park and south-west Ipswich, which could potentially include areas like Chantry, will set about "changing people's lives" building on £1.5million already secured through the pride in place programme.
The pride in place funding is not spent by Westminster but instead is decided upon by local residents and community groups.
In Stoke Park, the funding could support a wide range of improvements, including restoring shops, breathing new life into community spaces, and investing in schools, health centres and opportunities for young people.
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said: “Since being elected, I’ve been fighting for our town – and now that hard work is paying off. Securing £20 million for our town through our Labour Government’s Pride in Place programme is a landmark moment.
“This is genuinely transformational funding – £2 million every year, for 10 years – invested directly into Stoke Park and south-west Ipswich, changing people’s lives.”
“When I secured the first £1.5 million, I made sure residents were at the heart of the process. Through my Pride in Place survey and report, hundreds of local people told us what they want to see change.
“That’s exactly how this funding should work – shaped by local people, for local people.
“We have already recommended 30 projects from the first round of funding, and I am pleased we’re moving quickly and decisively so people can see and feel improvements in their local communities as soon as possible.
Read more:
Major town funding boost as 30 projects expected to benefit
MP backs plans to allow councils to block new vape shops
We're in the running! Ipswich on longlist for £10million prize backed by The Star
What does the council's new car park mean for Portman Road expansion?
“This week has been momentous for our town. It feels like a marker of things to come, and the bright future we are building together. On top of securing this funding, Ipswich has also been longlisted for City of Culture 2029, a huge vote of confidence in our creativity, heritage, and ambition.
“There is still more work to do, but we really are making progress, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now.
“We’re investing in the UK’s future by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country. Because it’s people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities."
Share