A sum of £750,000 has been secured to transform an Ipswich town centre space into a creative hub, with proposals invited from potential partners to develop and operate inside.

As a centre for ICT, tech, and digital creative businesses, the hub would have a specialist focus on screen, media and gaming to support innovation and business development in the sector, Ipswich Borough Council has said.

The creative hub will be on the ground floor of the Town Hall in the Cornhill, with its own entrance from the Princes Street side of the building.

The space has potential for providing open-working, meeting and breakout areas for individuals and groups that can offer flexible workspaces.

Ipswich Star: Councillor Neil MacDonaldCouncillor Neil MacDonald (Image: Newsquest)

Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council's portfolio holder for economic development and leader of the local authority, said: "There is vast potential to revitalise and rejuvenate this space, totalling almost 5,000 square feet, into the cornerstone of a thriving creative community.

"A creative hub bringing together tech and digital, creative and cultural talents is going to be a vibrant, productive part of our town centre for the future.

"We’re looking for an operator who shares our vision and has a proven track record in operating similar ventures.

"We have secured £750,000 in funding to transform the space and the selected operator will lead the design and delivery of the project. 

"If you have the experience and ambition to bring such an exciting initiative to life, we want to hear from you."

Applicants are expected to have the vision and expertise to create and operate a unique environment that fosters collaboration, support start-ups and develops successful businesses.

More information on the project and about submitting an initial proposal to partner with the council in delivering the Creative Hub can be found online with a deadline for applications being at 5pm on Friday, June 7.