A new report has named Ipswich as a potential location for growth in key sectors of the East of England regional economy.

IPSWICH: A new report has named Ipswich as a potential location for growth in key sectors of the East of England regional economy.

The Strategic Employment Sites Study, commissioned by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) from consultancy firm Arup, will be used to help promote the region for inward investment and assist both the public and private sectors in maximising the town's potential.

Ipswich is named as a potential location for growth in financial and businesses services, together with Norwich, Southend and Peterborough.

In addition, the Haven Gateway sub-region, including Ipswich, is identified as a potential area for expansion in the creative industries.

Andy Fisher, principal planning executive at EEDA, said: “This study provides much-needed evidence on how the region is placed in terms of delivering the strategic employment sites that will be able to accommodate future growth sectors.

“The results of this work will now be used to promote the region as a place to invest for business and to help regional partners such as local authorities and businesses to maximise the potential value of these strategic employment opportunities.”

Chris Tunnel, project director at Arup, who completed the study, said: “The East of England has high economic growth targets as set out in the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and reflected in the East of England Plan.

“The identification of strategic employment sites is an important exercise, to ensure that these sites can be promoted and protected from other development pressures, in particular housing, once the economy recovers.”

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