Ipswich: Colchester bid lead on benefits of city status

In recent weeks, the town's MP Tom Hunt has said he can "see some benefits" to a new bid, while the Ipswich Future City campaign could support any future application.

Cllr Darius Laws offers insight into why he believes Ipswich should apply for city status. Credit: Darius Laws (Image: Darius Laws.)

Many residents have asked what the benefits can be too.

We spoke to Colchester City councillor Darius Laws, a former resident of Felixstowe Road and cabinet member during the former town's successful bid last year, to give insight into the benefits city status could bring to Ipswich. 

City status brings so many opportunities for an area.

"Status by its definition means prestige and being a city is a universal code for what you can expect from a place. It is essentially a knighthood for the town.

"Colchester is now seeing interest from businesses and commercial operators because of our new found city status. The economic opportunities to benefit all are clear to see.

City status could see benefits for Ipswich's town centre businesses. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"Rather than lament the loss of certain types of shops there is huge scope now to make our urban centres more people focused, with cleaner air, more trees and public squares.

"The University of Suffolk, being located by the magnificent Waterfront, is still a young institution but it too has the potential to attract a diverse range of students to enhance life in Ipswich and beyond."

The University of Suffolk on Ipswich Waterfront. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Archant)

Ipswich has so much to be proud of. City status could make it a real tourist destination.

"Imagine a European flicking through the 'Easy Jet catalogue' of city breaks and seeing Ipswich. The income opportunity of tourism can benefit all.

Ipswich has the potential to be a real tourist destination, according to Cllr Laws. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"Colchester's bid was strongly focused around our royal and military connections, as well as our cultural attractions.

"Ipswich itself is probably the oldest continuously occupied town in the country with the Anglo-Saxon burials of Sutton Hoo just down the road showing just how important this part of the country was.

"Some might describe the historic centre as a rough diamond, but sometimes you just need to look above the modernity to see the gorgeous medieval timber framed buildings and churches above and reflect on the importance of the place. 

"Ipswich Town Football Club has also been denied their rightful place in the top division for far too long and the average attendance is typically four times that of Colchester United.

Ipswich Town currently has an average attendance four times the size of Colchester United. Picture: Steve Waller (Image: Steve Waller)

"And how many other English clubs have produced a manager who has gone on to help England win the World Cup?

"I also defy anyone not to tap their foot when the 1984 classic 'Wouldn’t It Be Good' by Nik Kershaw - who honed his craft in the town's thriving music scene - comes on the radio.

Cllr Laws also pointed to Ipswich and Suffolk's cultural highlights as something to be celebrated. Credit: PA (Image: PA)

"And then of course there is Ed Sheeran with 'his' castle on the hill just down the road."

Ipswich can also serve as a tourist base for the rest of Suffolk.

"As Suffolk’s County Town and dominant economic hub, Ipswich is strategically located with close proximity to main roads, rail, ports and airports - meaning it can provide an excellent base to explore all of Suffolk as part of a weekend city break destination.

"Suffolk is culturally rich with Snape Maltings, Harry Potter’s house in Lavenham, chocolate box tea rooms in Lovejoy Land and Constable’s Country on the doorstep, as well as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty."

The Future City campaign is promoted by Ipswich Central and looks to highlight the benefits of city status. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

An opportunity too good to miss?

"There is no denying that missing out on the government’s recent round of ‘Levelling Up’ funding and some unfavourable headlines have cast a small shadow of negativity. 

"But Suffolk is the sunniest county going and I would encourge the good people of Ipswich to get behind your local councillors and Member of Parliament and support them in seeking to obtain what is essentially a knighthood for the town.

"Ipswich, go for it!"