Ipswich: Panel chaired by Omid Djalili debates city bid

The event, which was hosted by the University of Suffolk at The Hold on Wednesday, saw panelists come together in front of a packed lecture theatre to debate what city status could mean for Ipswich.

L-R: Elma Glasgow, John Dugmore, Helen Langton, Omid Djalili, Sophie Alexander-Parker, Alex Gooch, Karen Turnbull (Image: Gregg Brown/University of Suffolk)

The speaker line-up consisted of Mr Djalili, Ipswich Central chief executive Sophie Alexander-Parker, UoS vice chancellor Helen Langton, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Dugmore, Aspire Black Suffolk founder Elma Glasgow, UoS Students' Union president Alex Gooch and economic strategy specialist at Colchester City Council Karen Turnbull. 

"We have to acknowledge that Ipswich has challenges," said Ms Alexander-Parker. 

"But that doesn't mean we can't have a vision and have constructive conversations about how we can make change.

"This is about us having aspiration and bringing pride back to our town. 

"The negativity has got to stop.

The panel came together at The Hold on Wednesday night (Image: Gregg Brown/University of Suffolk)

"This has cross-party support and it shouldn't be political.

"Politics has hampered Ipswich for so long and it's time to stop playing these games.

"We must be united.

"City status must be a part of wider change and this is a chance for us to build our own narrative and create our own identity."

The town's bid during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations was controversially dropped after it failed to get backing from MP Tom Hunt. 

Instead, nearby Colchester was granted the status.

"It can be a long journey," said Mrs Turnbull. 

Elma Glasgow of Aspire Black Suffolk (Image: Gregg Brown/University of Suffolk)

"It took us five attempts to eventually get there.

"Our successful bid saw politicians put politics to one side and unite in the decision.

"For Ipswich, it's about what role the town wants to play in the county and region. 

"Does it want to have leadership of place?

"It's about aspiration and this can be exciting for both the town and Suffolk as a whole."

Rumours had swirled of another city competition during the King's Coronation in May.

However, MP Tom Hunt dispelled this idea following a meeting with parliamentary secretary for the cabinet office Alex Burghart.

"This won't be an immediate change," said Prof Langton. 

The panel debated in front of a packed lecture theatre (Image: Gregg Brown/University of Suffolk)

"What we need is to get the conversation going.

"We need to start somewhere and bring people with us.

"If we don't talk about it then we won't change anyone's minds.

"City status would be beneficial for both us and the town as a whole.

"It would attract more students who would spend money. As would their parents, other family members and friends.

"And we can't just stop at city status.

"We must be ambitious and look forward."

"The economic benefits of city status can be plentiful," added Mr Dugmore. 

Parliamentary candidate for Ipswich, Jack Abbott, was also in attendance (Image: Gregg Brown/University of Suffolk)

"It would encourage great investment, bring in more high skilled jobs and attract more tourism to both Ipswich and the surrounding areas.

"If we are to become a city, it must be evidence-based and listen to all communities.

"A lot of people also talk about the football club changing it's name but that would be up to them. They don't have to and I would be very surprised if they did."

Looking forward, the Ipswich Star-backed Future City Campaign - which was established by Ipswich Central - continues to gather momentum.

Despite there being no competition to mark the King's Coronation, supporters are confident there will be more opportunities on the horizon.

The panel remained confident there would be a future opportunity for Ipswich to submit a fresh bid (Image: Gregg Brown/University of Suffolk)

"Ipswich should be a city," concluded Ms Glasgow.

"It's got so much potential and this can help fulfil that.

"I think it's mentality thing. When I first moved here, I was surprised by how many people ran Ipswich down. 

"I think that has changed since then.

"We need to celebrate and be more open about how great this place is.

"We are ready for something a lot bigger and it feels like we are now at the beginning of something really special."