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Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Council set to approve new £875k creative hub in Ipswich town centre

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich Borough Council is preparing to transform its former Customer Service Centre in the Town Hall into a creative hub focused on screen, media and gaming businesses.

Why it matters: The project aims to "boost the town centre's vibrancy" while creating jobs and attracting digital talent to Ipswich.

The big picture: A £875,000 grant from the former New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP) will fund the development, with £750,000 earmarked for fitting out the space and £125,000 for professional fees to oversee the project.

Ipswich Town Hall
Ipswich Borough Council is preparing to transform its former Customer Service Centre in the Town Hall into a creative hub focused on screen, media and gaming businessesOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • The hub could create between 62-77 full-time jobs

  • Space for up to 20 private offices

  • Additional 20 hot desks for flexible working

  • 10 desks reserved for student use

The details: The council has identified an "experienced tenant" that already runs similar successful hubs across the country to operate the hub on a 10-year lease.

  • The space will have super-fast broadband throughout

  • Work must be completed by September 2025 under grant conditions

Environmental commitments:

  • Only zero carbon and renewable energy will be used

  • The operator will publicly report on waste, energy and water usage

  • Sustainable materials and repurposed furniture will be used in the fit-out

  • The design will incorporate plant life throughout the workspace

The bottom line: The hub represents a significant investment by the council as it aims to establish the town as a regional centre for digital growth and innovation while breathing new life into a vacant part of the landmark Town Hall building.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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