Businesses in Ipswich are being asked to vote on the future of the town centre Business Improvement District (BID) in an upcoming ballot set to run from 19 June to 16 July 2026. The result of the vote will determine if Ipswich Central continues for another five-year term after its current period concludes in March 2027.
Ipswich Central has released its draft business plan, outlining three primary themes for the potential new term. These include Standards, which focuses on maintaining consistency and care within the town; Campaigns, aimed at scaling up successful initiatives; and Festivals, designed to build energy and encourage visitors. Businesses in the defined area with a rateable value above £24,500 would continue to pay a 1.75% levy on top of their business rates if the BID is approved for another term.
The organisation, which has been operating since 2007, is currently in its fourth consecutive term. Under the leadership of CEO Lee Walker, who joined the organisation in July 2024, the BID has maintained a focus on security and event-based engagement. The Street Security team has supported 230 arrests since 2024, recovered more than £29,000 in stolen stock, and helped deter over £361,000 in shoplifting.
Previous initiatives led by the BID include the Welcome Home Ed campaign, which coincided with Ed Sheeran’s three concerts at Portman Road in July 2025 and brought an estimated 200,000 additional visitors to the town. Additionally, the Forknight food festival delivered more than 5,000 additional meals sold, generating over £100,000 in economic impact.
The board of the organisation has recently expanded to 15 members, led by Chair Steve Flory. The board now includes representatives from various sectors, such as the New Wolsey Theatre, Willis Tower Watson, the University of Suffolk, and the Buttermarket Shopping Centre. Businesses are encouraged to review the full details of the draft business plan before the voting period begins next month.
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