Why Ipswich.

Welcome to Ipswich – a town steeped in history yet brimming with modern opportunities for investors.

Ipswich is rapidly emerging as a hub of innovation and opportunity, making it an ideal destination for developers seeking to invest. With a thriving technology sector, strong community support for start-ups, and significant infrastructure improvements, Ipswich offers a promising landscape for growth and success. Its strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive local authority further enhance its appeal as a prime investment choice for forward-thinking developers.

"Ipswich is a key industrial and logistics hub...”

... in the East of England and we have long held an interest in developing new commercial units for the area. We’re delighted to have worked alongside Ipswich Borough Council to deliver the next phase of Ipswich’s premier business park location at Eastern Gateway, investing in providing new space for local occupiers and creating new jobs.

Greg Dalton

Development Director, Trebor Developments

Located in the heart of Suffolk, Ipswich combines charm, connectivity, and economic potential, distinguishing itself as a premier investment destination. From its rich maritime heritage to its vibrant cultural scene, Ipswich captivates visitors and investors alike with its dynamic energy and entrepreneurial spirit.

Just an hour’s train ride from London, Ipswich is strategically positioned with unparalleled access to major transport networks, including the A12 and A14 corridors, and proximity to key ports and airports, making it an ideal logistics hub.

Did you know?

Ipswich is ranked among the UK’s TOP 20 best performing cities (PwC, 2023)

There are 1,200 acres of parks within the Borough, holding Tree City of the World (TCotW) status

Ipswich was selected to receive £25m from the Towns Fund

There is a population of 140,000 within Ipswich Borough

£332m GVA and 2,740 jobs are generated by the University of Suffolk (2022)

There are 4 Enterprise Zones facilitating new development in key business areas

87.9% businesses in Ipswich are micro businesses

Ipswich is home to Premier League football club, Ipswich Town

Why invest.

Ipswich’s prime location in the East of England, just 10 miles from the UK’s busiest container port, the Port of Felixstowe, offers proximity to major markets, including London, making it an attractive investment destination.

Economic growth: Ipswich boasts a thriving economy with consistent growth across various sectors, providing ample opportunities for investors.

Infrastructure development: Ongoing infrastructure projects enhance connectivity and support business expansion, contributing to the town’s economic vitality.

Ipswich benefits from a highly skilled and educated workforce, equipped to meet the needs of diverse industries and businesses, such as digital innovation with Suffolk New College and the new tech campus and Healthcare via the University of Suffolk with the new integrated Care Academy, both of which are partly funded via the Towns Fund.

Sector-specific opportunities: Key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, finance, and healthcare, where Ipswich offers unique investment opportunities and competitive advantages.

Quality of life: Excellent amenities, green spaces, and cultural attractions, appealing to investors and their employees.

Travel connections.

Ipswich is well-connected by road, with the A12 and A14 providing easy access to neighbouring towns and cities. The town has excellent rail connections, with direct trains to London Liverpool Street taking approximately an hour.

Travel times and distances may vary depending on traffic conditions, mode of transport, and specific starting and ending points within Ipswich and the surrounding areas.

Local travel by bus

Ipswich has a comprehensive bus network, providing connections within the town and to surrounding areas.

Getting around by bike

Ipswich is cycle-friendly, with dedicated cycle lanes and routes, making cycling a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport.

Explore on foot

Many parts of Ipswich are pedestrian-friendly making walking a pleasant way to explore the town.

By sea

Ipswich is home to the largest agriport in England with ports at Felixstowe and Lowestoft, Europe is on the doorstep.

Workspace.

Ipswich offers a diverse range of workspace options tailored to meet the needs of various businesses, from startups to established enterprises. The town features traditional office spaces including serviced offices, coworking spaces, and private office suites. These spaces provide flexible leasing options, with amenities and facilities that support business operations and employee well-being.

Additionally, Ipswich is home to a variety of industrial and commercial units. These spaces are ideal for manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and light industrial activities, offering ample room for production, storage, and distribution operations.

For those seeking flexibility, Ipswich provides various flexible workspaces, including hot desks, meeting rooms, and virtual office solutions. These are particularly suited to remote workers, freelancers, and companies pursuing agile work arrangements, allowing them to adapt to changing business needs efficiently.

For more information, please contact the team.

About Ipswich.

Town Centre Regeneration:

Ipswich is actively pursuing a comprehensive regeneration plan aimed at creating a vibrant and thriving town centre. We have secured £25 million in funding through the Towns Fund, which includes £8 million, to repurpose empty properties in the town centre for diverse uses such as cultural, educational, health, leisure, hospitality, retail, and residential purposes. This initiative seeks to reduce the town’s overreliance on retail by introduction hospitality, such as eateries, entertainment, and the development of a thriving nighttime economy, thereby enhancing its appeal to both businesses and visitors​ (Ipswich Borough Council)​.

See Proud of Ipswich website for more information.

A key component of this regeneration strategy is the Ipswich Town Centre and Waterfront Public Realm Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which provides design guidance for the renewal of public spaces. This document focuses on improving connectivity, enhancing the town’s identity, and making the town centre more welcoming and functional. Projects under this strategy include the enhancement of streets, squares, and waterfront areas, aiming to support local businesses and improve the quality of life for residents​ (Ipswich Borough Council)​.

Additionally, our Retail and Commercial Leisure Study informs the town’s development plans by assessing retail and leisure needs. This study helps guide investment and development to ensure that the town centre can meet future demands and remain competitive and attractive for both business and leisure activities​ (Ipswich Borough Council)​.

Overall, Ipswich’s commitment to regeneration is reflected in its strategic plans and investments, aiming to create a dynamic and economically robust town centre that serves residents, attracts visitors, and supports local businesses. [We can link to strategy documents if needed]

Strategies & Policies.