Ipswich Borough Council has confirmed that major road improvements at the St Matthews Street Gateway and Civic Drive in Ipswich, Suffolk, will begin on 6 April 2026. These works aim to tidy up a main route into the town centre by fixing old infrastructure and adding more greenery to the roadside.
The project involves replacing damaged railings on the roundabouts and installing 20 new lamp columns that include green features. Workers will also repair the brickwork and refresh the plants in the central reservation to make the area more attractive for residents and local businesses.
Drivers and commuters travelling through this part of the town should prepare for potential traffic delays and diversions while the construction is carried out. This work is being paid for by the UK Government through the Local Regeneration Fund, which was previously known as the Towns Fund.
Council leader Neil MacDonald explained that the changes will improve both the look and the environment of the entrance to the town centre. This project follows other recent town centre investments, including the repurposing of the former Grimwades store and the old St Matthew’s Baths building.
Jack Abbott, the Member of Parliament for Ipswich, also welcomed the work as part of a wider effort to improve public spaces and buildings across the borough. These upgrades are intended to boost the visual appeal of the area while supporting the town’s ongoing economic recovery.
