Lee Walker
Lee brings over a decade of strategic leadership and place marketing experience as CEO of Ipswich Central, the Business Improvement District (BID) for Ipswich.
In the news
To thrive, or not survive – that is the question
Ipswich's high street must evolve beyond traditional retail or risk disappearing completely, local leaders warn at the Digital Ipswich Innovation Showcase launch event.News
Sip'Swich: Two new pub trails launched in Ipswich town centre
Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central have created historic and dog-friendly pub trails across 15 town centre venues, with stamps earning participants special prizes.News
Independent business forum resurfaces tensions between council parking strategy and town centre prosperity
Ipswich Borough Council's parking strategy came under scrutiny at an independent business forum yesterday, as traders argued lower fees would increase town centre footfall and help customers spend more at their businesses.News
Ipswich Central partners with Brighten The Corners to expand music festivals
Two music festivals will take place in Ipswich in 2025 through a new partnership between Ipswich Central and Brighten The Corners.News
Free Thursday afternoon parking launched in response to council price hikes
As residents brace themselves for price increases at all council-owned car parks, a new initiative from Ipswich Central and Apex Parking, the company that operates the Blackfriars car park on Foundation Street, will offer free town centre parking after 3pm on Thursdays.News
£2m Neptune Marina revamp to begin in March
Work to transform Ipswich's Neptune Marina with new pontoons and facilities is set to start this spring and be completed in the summer.News
Join fellow Traitors fans for dramatic finale screening in Ipswich
As The Traitors' most successful series yet draws to a close, St Stephen's Church will host a free community screening of the finale that's expected to draw millions of viewers nationwide.News
Former M&S chairman says 'great' Ipswich town centre has 'great potential' despite challenges
The former chairman of Marks & Spencer and Asda has expressed optimism for Ipswich's town centre amidst nationwide retail challenges – despite once calling it "shabby." Lord Rose's comments come as new data shows UK shop footfall declined a further 2.5% in late 2024.News
New powers to tackle street drinking and boost town centre safety in Ipswich
Private security officers patrolling Ipswich town centre have been granted new powers to tackle alcohol-related nuisance, as part of ongoing efforts to create a more welcoming environment for shoppers and visitors.News
Christmas markets draw big crowds to Ipswich town centre
Ipswich town centre was bustling this weekend as two Christmas events attracted shoppers and families to enjoy festive entertainment and support local makers and retailers.News
The Very Suffolk Christmas festival is coming to Ipswich town centre – here's what you need to know
A new Christmas festival celebrating Suffolk culture will take over Ipswich's Cornhill later this month, featuring local food, crafts and a tractor trail – all while raising money for mental health.News
'Fantastic news for Ipswich': Council leaders back M&S expansion plans
Local leaders have welcomed M&S's commitment to Ipswich as the retailer announces plans to maintain its town centre presence while opening a new store at Copdock. The development will support Suffolk farmers and create new jobs.News
Council gets new powers to auction empty Ipswich shops
Ipswich Borough Council will gain new powers next month to auction off long-term empty shops in the town centre. The High Street Rental Auctions scheme aims to tackle the problem of persistently vacant properties by allowing local authorities to step in after shops have been empty for more than a year.News
Football fan art to brighten empty shop windows in Ipswich town centre
Empty shop windows in Ipswich town centre will be transformed with large-scale football fan art ahead of each Ipswich Town FC home game. The first posters have already appeared in the former H&M building ahead of Saturday's match against Leicester City.News
Ipswich police and businesses unite to tackle retail crime ahead of Safer Business Week
Suffolk police hosted a forum to address retail crime, bringing together law enforcement, businesses, and community organisations. The event showcased collaborative efforts to protect staff and combat theft.News
Ipswich Central
Ipswich Central is passionate about making Ipswich town centre a vibrant place to live, work, study, and visit.
Everything they do works to maintain a safe and welcoming town centre, celebrate its offerings, and transform Ipswich into a connected town centre.