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'Ipswich has a self-deprecation problem,' say culture leaders and entrepreneurs at council strategy workshop

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Over 30 culture, heritage and business leaders representing every sector gathered at St Stephen's Church on Tuesday to help shape Ipswich's new Culture and Heritage Strategy, with the council aiming to publish the final plan in April.

Why it matters: The strategy will prioritise increasing visitors, fostering vibrant communities, and boosting the appeal of the night-time economy, building on Ipswich's existing culture and heritage.

How it works: The session used the "World Café" methodology, where participants rotated between four themed tables to discuss key questions about Ipswich's culture, heritage and future.

The big picture: This was the first of three planned workshops led by Achates, with additional sessions targeted at community representatives, freelancers and young people from Ipswich.

Over 30 leaders gathered at St Stephen's Church to help shape Ipswich's new Culture and Heritage Strategy
Over 30 leaders gathered at St Stephen's Church to help shape Ipswich's new Culture and Heritage StrategyOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Between the lines: Common themes from the session included:

  • Challenging negative perceptions of the town

  • Strengthening civic pride

  • Leading with the arts as Ipswich's "USP"

  • An Arts Officer to own the vision and execution of the town's culture strategy

  • More affordable parking to improve town centre footfall

  • Improving public transport to support the night economy

  • The desire for the council to demonstrate greater ambition for the town and ability to execute

  • Embracing Ipswich's diverse population and communities

What they're saying: "Ipswich has a 'self deprecation' problem, which was raised by a few people in the sessions today," said Allister Frost, owner of Blast From The Past retro gaming lounge on Northgate Street. "I learnt that there are 7 theatres here in Ipswich! I've only been to two - Ipswich Regent Theatre and New Wolsey Theatre."

What's next: Ipswich Borough Council is committed to publishing the strategy in April. Though funding hasn't been secured yet, there was an indication that it would be available providing there was an income generation strategy.

Multiple attendees expressed desire for additional consultation before the strategy is presented to the council executive, however, there was a reluctance from council representatives to commit, citing timeframes.

The bottom line: With representation from every sector, the workshop demonstrated Ipswich's huge untapped potential and tremendous enthusiasm to fulfil it, dampened slightly by common concerns about infrastructure, funding, and governance that any successful strategy will need to address.

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

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

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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