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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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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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