Ipswich Conservatives are delighted with the hard work of the Ipswich Vision Board * , in bringing about the refreshed design of the Cornhill.
The new plans were drawn up after a consultation showed that most people and businesses wanted to see this area improved.
However, some details were met with opposition, including the proposed levelling of the Cornhill by use of a large ramp and a “tower”. These have now been dropped in favour of a more traditional design, incorporating a contemporary sculpture and water feature.
Ben Gummer said, “These are wonderful plans for our central public space, which will revitalise and beautify a very special civic area. These plans – alongside the new plans for the Upper Orwell Crossings – do not only make the centre of Ipswich a better place, attracting new investment, shops and creating jobs but they symbolise two important things: first that Ipswich is rising and secondly how much we can achieve when we work together in the interests of our town.”
Conservative run Suffolk County Council is contributing £750,000 towards the cost of this project.
A member of Ipswich Conservative Councillors said “This is more fabulous news to bring about great improvements to the town centre, and will hopefully bring about regeneration around the Cornhill where there are opportunities for improvement. Our thanks to Ben Gummer for his contribution in initiating this project when he invited Lord Rose (of M&S Group ) a few years ago, who gave some ideas on redesigning the Cornhill.”
Along with the £20,000,000 Suffolk County Council is investing in the new River Crossings, only the Conservatives are trusted to deliver these projects with our sound financial management & plans for Suffolk for the years to come.
* The Ipswich Vision Group was set up to support, promote and enhance the town. Partners are: New Anglia Local Enterprise partnership, Ben Gummer MP, Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Ipswich Central, the Suffolk Chamber in Greater Ipswich and the University of Suffolk.