Ipswich gets a big boost to help its Healthy High Street ambition

Just days after organisations came together to give Ipswich town centre a new vision for the future, it has been selected as one of 34 high streets across the country to take part in a new national programme.

It has been chosen by Business in the Community – part of the Prince’s Trust Network – to receive support from big name retailers in a bid to boost the town centre.

It will receive a package of support, including access to skills and expertise, and dedicated High Street Champions who will work together with the Ipswich Central, local councils and other groups. Last year the scheme brought in support worth £9 million to its first 33 towns.

Robin Foale, chair of the programme said : “Congratulations to Ipswich on being chosen to be part of the Healthy High Streets programme.

“This is a great opportunity to work with the business partners and the local High Street Champions to transform the town and create a thriving, vibrant centre for the local community.”

Paul Clement, Chief Executive of Ipswich Central, said: “This is yet more fantastic news for the town.

“Last week it was announced that all partners had signed up to the Vision for Ipswich and we’ll all be driving forward with the plans to create a more prosperous town.

“It was also announced that we’d be working with other partners to create a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) to promote the town to visitors as a base to explore the county.

“Times are changing in Ipswich and it’s great that others are now recognising this and are on board to help us.”

Business in the Community’s Peter Donohoe said: “One of the most powerful ways for business to make an impact in communities is by creating high streets that are vibrant places to live, work and do business.”