Delays to a £900,000 revamp of a key town centre area by at least a year are "disappointing" but work will continue to ensure further investment in the area says a business leader.

The redevelopment of Arras Square is among the major projects Ipswich Borough Council has had to delay due to financial pressures, alongside the restoration of the former Burtons building near the Stoke Bridge gateway to the Waterfront.

This is due to a gap of £23 million in Ipswich Borough Council's budget, with action needed to bring in cost saving measures, which were agreed this week.

Ipswich Central, which looks after businesses in town, had previously expressed their support for the redevelopment of Arras Square. 

CEO of Ipswich Central Lee Walker expressed dissapointment over the delays.CEO of Ipswich Central Lee Walker expressed disappointment over the delays. (Image: Ipswich Central) Lee Walker, Ipswich Central CEO said: “Having supported the proposal for works to improve Arras Square we are obviously disappointed to hear that these plans will not progress any further at this time.

"We are understanding of the difficult financial position that Ipswich Borough Council is facing right now, and are sure that this decision will not have been taken lightly.

"However, we know that having a safe, busy and well-maintained town centre is important for everyone and we will continue to work with all local partners to ensure that the town centre receives as much investment for improvements as possible for the benefit of Ipswich residents and businesses.”

The redevelopment would include new seating, paving, drainage, lighting, CCTV, litter bins and trees, as well as a new mural, which Ipswich residents were able to have their say on which one they wanted to be installed.

The project was set to cost the council £900,000.

The council agreed following a debate last Wednesday a package of savings worth between £13m and £16m.

Cllr Neil MacDonald said that these cuts had to be made.Cllr Neil MacDonald said that these cuts had to be made. (Image: Phil Smart)

Council leader Cllr Neil MacDonald had previously stated that they need to make these cuts or there is a risk of the gap widening and added that all essential services in Ipswich will be maintained. 

He said: "The general rule is that for every £100 of capital funding, you have to spend £10 from current spending on things like project management - so we have deferred some things."