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Ipswich Town Deal projects progress with £25m investment

News

A £25 million government investment is driving forward ten major projects to regenerate Ipswich town centre.

The Town Deal Board and Ipswich Borough Council's Executive will review significant progress this week.

Key developments:

  • The Greener Ipswich project aims to improve biodiversity and create a green trail from Lloyds Avenue to the Waterfront

  • Lloyds Avenue to get new seating, business areas, and green space

  • Refurbishment planned for the disused River Orwell bridge to create a circular pedestrian and cycling route

  • Digital initiatives including augmented reality walking trails, with the next trail unveiling on 20 July

  • The All About Ipswich website revamp is nearing completion, offering comprehensive visitor information

A photo of The Botanist, a bar in Ipswich
Some funds have already been used to part-fund The Botanist in Ipswich Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Why it matters: These projects seek to revitalise the Ipswich town centre, boost local businesses, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Progress so far:

  • Completed projects include the Integrated Care Academy at the University of Suffolk and the Net Zero Skills Centre at Suffolk New College

  • 28 shopping parades have seen improvements like resurfacing and new benches

  • Shops in these areas can now apply for £5,000 grants for storefront upgrades

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "We are committed to the delivery of our Towns Fund projects, which are set to make a real difference to the people who visit and who call Ipswich home. I'm delighted to see so many of these significant schemes gather momentum, as we make progress along with our many partners to revitalise and reinvigorate the town."

What's next: The Ipswich Borough Council Executive will meet on 16 July at 6pm to discuss further details and next steps for the Town Deal projects.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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