Issues and Options for the Ipswich Local Plan Review

Comment

Representation ID: 25167

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce in Greater Ipswich Board supports the continued development of the Waterfront as a significant cultural and leisure hub and economic driver for the town.

Comment

Representation ID: 25168

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

We support the development of the town centre's retail offer but would also welcome innovative solutions to the challenges facing the retail sector including more mixed-use of vacant retail space and more consideration given to leisure and housing provision in the town centre.

Comment

Representation ID: 25169

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

We feel that the visitor experience in the town centre would be enhanced by: more trees and planted areas; an increase in sitting areas; more town centre to Waterfront pedestrian and cycle routes; and more public toilets.
Our highest priority would be to establish a high quality music venue, upon the lines of the Apex in Bury St Edmunds, with a capacity of around 350 / 400 possibly with a dance area.
Likewise one or some of the de-commissioned churches in the borough, with good acoustic facilities, might both 'bridge the gap' and preserve an historic building.
Other potential tourism attractions, building on Ipswich's key assets, should be developed or enhanced in town centre locations for example: Ipswich Transport Museum; BT innovation zone; Maritime Museum; and an Ipswich Arts Centre upon the lines of St Mary's Arts Centre in Colchester.

Comment

Representation ID: 25170

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

Clearly a lot of money had been spent on the current flood defence scheme; is the scheme sufficient for future needs or does it need to be extended further down river?

Comment

Representation ID: 25171

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

We strongly recommend that every attempt is made through the Plan and the planning processes to ensure that new developments contribute positively to, and help to drive up, the quality of the built environment. More iconic rather than simply utilitarian design would enhance the image of Ipswich and its attractiveness to investors and visitors alike.

Comment

Representation ID: 25172

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

We believe that much could be done to make more of the historic assets of Ipswich, which are not much or very effectively exploited for tourism and educational purposes. More could be made for example through improved displays and interpretation of: Christchurch Mansion; Ipswich's Anglo-Saxon heritage and associated archaeology; our industrial past; and Wolsey's Gate.

Comment

Representation ID: 25173

Received: 27/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

The parks in Ipswich and especially Chantry, Christchurch and Holywells are wonderful assets for residents and tourists alike as are wilder green spaces such as Orwell Country and Belstead Brook Parks. These areas must be preserved, extended where possible, and Plan policies developed that might further enhance biodiversity in the town.