Businesses in Ipswich are preparing to vote on the future of the local organisation that manages town centre improvements. Ipswich Central, the group responsible for initiatives in the town centre, has launched its ballot for 2026, with voting open from 19 June to 16 July.
The organisation currently operates as a Business Improvement District, a partnership funded by a mandatory 1.75% levy on business rates for properties with a rateable value above £24,500. To continue its operations, the group must secure a majority of votes from local businesses, and these votes must represent more than 50% of the total rateable value of all businesses that cast a ballot.
Since taking over as CEO in July 2024, Lee Walker has overseen the group’s ongoing projects, which include a focus on town centre safety and public events. According to the 2026 ballot page, the organisation’s recent achievements include supporting 230 arrests since 2024, recovering over £29,000 in stolen stock, and helping deter more than £361,000 in shoplifting. These security efforts are supported by five uniformed officers from the private firm My Local Bobby, who patrol the town centre.
Beyond security, the organisation has focused on boosting footfall. The “Welcome Home Ed” campaign brought an estimated 200,000 additional visitors to the town during concerts in July 2025, while the Sip’Swich drinks trail generated more than 10,000 customer visits and at least £60,000 in additional spending.
This upcoming vote is a significant milestone for the organisation, which is operating in its second phase. In the last renewal held in 2021, local businesses voted 93% in favour of continuing the partnership. Eligible business owners are encouraged to review their details and participate in the ballot to determine the future direction of these town centre initiatives.
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