Ipswich council's leader believes that there is a lot coming to the town that can boost its economy and bring more people to it.

During a scrutiny committee meeting at Ipswich Borough Council on Thursday, Ipswich Borough Council leader Neil MacDonald spoke about the town centre and investment within. 

In a pre-committee report, it was seen that the town centre has seen a rise in the number of vacant shops and it has seen footfall drop by a third as compared to the year prior.

Mr MacDonald, joined by director for officer and place James Fairclough, argued that the numbers may not be entirely accurate, and believed there is a much more positive picture coming for the town.

In terms of footfall falling by a third, Mr Fairclough said: "These footfall statistics have been based on our previous calculations, which will pick up people only when they go past certain centres in town. 

"But we have a more-tech-based solution that will count footfall through mobile phones and hence be more accurate in the future."

The council say the current footfall data is not accurate. The council says the current footfall data is not accurate.  (Image: Newsquest) In terms of vacant shops, Mr MacDonald added that there is work coming in the future. 

He said some prospective work is being done to occupy the former Little Waitrose, as well as plans for the former customer centre and getting new tenants to use empty units in the town hall. 

He also added that Ipswich Central has been working to boost the town's night-time economy and added that there are a lot of entertainment and leisure spaces in the area for customers. 

The council say they are working on someone to take over the former Little Waitrose space. The council leader said the borough is working on a new tenant to take over the former Little Waitrose space.  (Image: Archant) However, he joked: "If I could, I would shrink the size of the town centre, to get them all closer together, because at the moment everything is dotted all over the town, which makes it hard for someone to make full use of the town.”

The council leader also added that work is currently being done at Lloyds Avenue, and the borough council is looking to re-think Arras Square plans to make it approachable in the future which they hope will give a space to customers in town. 

Finally, he mentioned: "There is a lot happening in Ipswich, this week we had Ed Sheeran perform in the Baths with Lisa Nandy in presence, and it is great to see that there is a national plan to invest in the venue which would be great for young people. 

"And we also had M&S announce that they are going to take over the former Toy R Us space, which would get so many people to town."