Terry Baxter to step down as Ipswich Central chair

Baxter, who has been part of the Ipswich business community for over 30 years, is departing to focus on his role as Chief Executive at Suffolk youth charity Inspire and to become Chair of Suffolk New College.

Why it matters: Baxter's departure comes at a crucial time for Ipswich town centre, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.

Key details:

• Baxter has served as Chair of Ipswich Central for 11 years

• He was clear during the 2022 renewal that this would be his last term

• A new CEO, Lee Walker, has recently been appointed to Ipswich Central

• The process to recruit a new non-executive chair is now underway

What they're saying:

Terry Baxter said: "I was clear, when going into the last renewal in 2022, that it would be my last and that I would be vacating the role in plenty of time for a new Chair to take over ahead of any future ballot. We have recently appointed a new CEO for the business, Lee Walker, who has settled in well and now is the right time to move on.

"In the 11 years as Chair our town centre has faced serious challenges, the Cost-of-Living Crisis, the Covid pandemic and a seismic shift in society's shopping habits. Although I am proud of much that we have achieved in supporting our members, I will be leaving with a deep sense of frustration that, in the recent past, Ipswich town centre has been held back from fulfilling its huge potential by a reluctance to accept that change needed to happen more quickly.

"Despite this, we have a team of committed individuals whose passion is to see Ipswich 'do better'. We have a board who give their time freely to support our staff and so, under Lee's direction, I am hopeful that, despite there being no 'magic bullet' when dealing with issues of town and city centre management, that better times are ahead providing all parties that have an influence in the town, work together. Ipswich Central, as has always been the case, is ready to play its part."

What's next:

• A job description and expression of interest form for the chair position will be available from 8 September

• Ipswich Central is also seeking additional board members

• Interested parties should email trish@locusms.com with relevant skills and experience

The bottom line: Baxter's departure marks the end of an era for Ipswich Central, with the organisation now looking for new leadership to guide the town centre through ongoing challenges and future opportunities.