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Suffolk councils secure funding for solar power projects

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Suffolk County Council and West Suffolk Council have both secured funding to develop solar power projects as part of a £727,000 grant scheme supporting public sector climate initiatives.

Why it matters: The investment will help both Suffolk councils develop solar power projects to investment readiness, supporting local climate goals and contributing to the Government's Clean Power 2030 Mission.

The big picture: The two Suffolk councils are among nine public sector organisations, out of 26 applicants, to receive support through the Investment Readiness Service Grant delivered by the Greater South East Net Zero Hub.

Suffolk County Council were one of nine councils to benefit from the funding
Suffolk County Council were one of nine councils to benefit from the fundingOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • £727,000 total funding distributed across the southeast

  • Two Suffolk councils among the nine successful recipients

  • Both Suffolk recipients focusing on solar power development

  • Projects to be delivered over the next two years

What they're saying: "The Hub is committed to supporting the development and acceleration of local energy projects working toward meeting net zero and the Government's Clean Power 2030 Mission," said Maxine Narburgh, Regional Director at GSENZH.

"Our IRS grant will help these organisations fund project development and move to investment readiness."

"The significant interest we received highlights the appetite to drive forward net zero ambitions across the south east region."

The details: The funding will support project development costs and drive capital net zero projects to investment case and delivery. Besides the Suffolk councils, other recipients include:

  • Essex County Council – solar power

  • Tunbridge Wells Borough Council – solar power

  • Three Rivers District Council – multi-technology

  • Reading Borough Council – heat network

  • Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust – heat network

  • Milton Keynes City Council – heat network

  • Shoreham Port Industrial Cluster – onshore wind

What's next: The Greater South East Net Zero Hub will also provide its Capacity Support service to all applicants, offering assistance with routes to funding, business case development, and advice on delivery models.

The bottom line: Public sector organisations in Suffolk seeking support for net zero projects can contact the Greater South East Net Zero Hub at info@gsenetzerohub.org.uk to learn about available assistance.

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

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