Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026
ipswich economic development strategy 2013 - 2026
www.ipswich.gov.uk "Ipswich Borough Council is committed to supporting businesses and helping to create and sustain jobs in Ipswich. This Economic Development Strategy outlines our vision for the future and our determination to build a better and more prosperous town despite the challenging economic circumstances.
Councillor Carole Jones Economic Development portfolio-holder
Ipswich Borough Council Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 SECTION 6 APPENDICES Executive Summary Future Developments Appendix 1 • Ipswich - East Anglia’s Waterfront Town Ipswich Policy Area SECTION 2 • Commercial Introduction • Employment Land Appendix 2 • Private Housing List of Key Partners SECTION 3 • Council House Building Vision • Infrastructure Appendix 3 • Aims • City Deal Summary and Contact Details for • New Initiatives ‘Transport Fit for the 21st Century’ SECTION 7 SECTION 4 Potential Funding Streams Appendix 4 Background & Strategic Context • Growing Places Fund Strategic development sites/schemes • Outlook • Regional Growth Fund within Ipswich • Investor Confidence in Ipswich • Portas Pilots • High Street Innovation Fund Appendix 5 SECTION 5 Strategic development sites/schemes Economic Profile & Key Sectors within Ipswich Policy Area • Overview • Public Sector Appendix 6 Executive Summary from Town Centre Established Growth Sectors Master Plan 2011 - 2016 • Financial Services • Ports & Logistics
Potential Growth Sectors • Tourism & Hospitality • Culture • Energy • Skills & Education • ICT & Creative
3 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since the financial crash in 2007, Ipswich’s The strategy complements the Local positive and Ipswich continues to attract Ipswich also benefits from a diverse cultural economy has coped comparatively well Development Framework, the Core significant external private sector economy founded on a collection of high despite challenging economic conditions. Strategy, the Town Centre Masterplan, and investment, as evidenced by the number of quality assets located throughout the town While future economic growth will be other relevant policy documents. major development projects that are either and the waterfront area. The Council will subject to the influences of several external planned or underway across the Borough. make every effort to secure further factors beyond the control of the Council or We will continue to work with partners to The completion of these developments over investment in these assets, and ensure they its partners, there is clear scope for decisive develop bids and tenders to attract both the coming years will offer the prospect of are promoted to new audiences, thereby and effective action to support the Ipswich public and private funding in to the local new employment and business increasing the volume of visitors to the economy. economy. This activity will include opportunities. town. addressing significant infrastructure needs The Council’s economic vision for Ipswich and will facilitate the enhancement of skills Flourishing Waterfront is “An inspiring and exciting town perceived throughout the Ipswich economy. as both an attractive location for investment in business and a centre of excellence for The Council is confident that established education. Creative people in partnership sectors including financial services, public with dynamic businesses will drive a administration, and freight and logistics will diverse and innovative urban economy. A maintain their position of strength and sustainable and low carbon Ipswich will prominence in the Ipswich economy. In enable individuals to flourish, and addition, we anticipate the following four inhabitants will be notable for their sectors will drive economic expansion over enterprise, ambition, creativity and pride in the next decade and beyond. This selection their town.” has been based on both the sectors’ current position and their future potential for This vision is supported by two clear investment and growth that will benefit the ambitions for Ipswich’s economy over the Ipswich economy: next 14 years: • Education • To create the right conditions to create • Tourism, Hospitality & Culture 18,000 additional jobs within the Ipswich • Energy Policy Area ; and • ICT & Creative • To enable the construction of 10,500 new homes. The Council strongly believes that the prospects for economic development are
4 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 2 INTRODUCTION Busy waterfront This economic development strategy development priorities for Ipswich in the Following comments received during the focuses on job creation and retention, as context of the Ipswich Policy Area’s consultation on the draft Strategy it was well as promoting and attracting economic vision. A more detailed decided that it would be more appropriate investment to Ipswich. This reflects Ipswich description of the IPA’s economic vision can to separately produce an Implementation Borough Council’s Corporate Plan – be found in Appendix 1. Plan for this Strategy than to incorporate it ‘Building A Better Ipswich ’. within this document. The Council’s Local Plan / Core Strategy The Council’s economic strategy has taken estimates that the IPA will need to support That will enable the Plan to be updated on account of the aspirations of our economic an additional 18,000 jobs by 2025 . In an annual basis and also enable our Strategy development partners including Suffolk addition, Ipswich has been earmarked for and Plan to more effectively mirror the County Council, New Anglia Local 10,500 new homes by 2027 - roughly a third process that has recently been put in place Enterprise Partnership (NALEP), the of the total housing growth for Suffolk . This for the equivalent Suffolk Strategy and Plan. Ipswich Policy Area Board, University economic development strategy will set out The Plan will set out details In pursuit of Campus Suffolk (UCS), Suffolk New a path that will facilitate and encourage the delivering the aims of this strategy, the College, the Haven Gateway Partnership, attainment of these employment and Council will seek to secure relevant streams Ipswich Central, the Ipswich Chamber of housing growth targets. of funding that align with the delivery of our Commerce and the Growth Cities Network. economic vision – such streams include, The Council acknowledges that along with but are not limited to, the Growing Places Supporting the local economy is Ipswich the partners listed above, it will have to work Fund and the Regional Growth Fund, as well Borough Council's top priority and we will with a wide range of additional partners in as any additional external funding streams work with partners to ensure Ipswich takes the private, public and third sectors in order from either a national or European source. every opportunity to succeed in difficult to achieve the aims set out in the following economic conditions. strategy. A full list of identified partners is In that regard, Growth in Suffolk: Our included in Appendix 2. Economic Growth Strategy was published This strategy outlines a framework for in February 2013. It sets out the economic Ipswich’s economic development, taking This strategy has been widely consulted on ambitions for Suffolk and how they will be into account key employment sites adjacent and has been changed in response to many achieved. An implementation plan is being to the Council’s boundary and the strengths of the comments received. Consultation produced to sit alongside it - it is and opportunities these adjacent sites offer. responses have been received from a variety anticipated that this plan will be completed We have used the Ipswich Policy Area (IPA) of private and public organisations (and by autumn 2013. The Ipswich Strategy is definition as a base for the purposes of all individuals). The Council is grateful for all closely aligned to the Suffolk Strategy and population calculations in this strategy. This the input it has received. our implementation plan will be worked up, strategy sets out clear economic following consultation, and alongside the county-wide plan.
5 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 3 VISION
The Council will strive to ensure that The following aims are set out within The Council is committed to creating an • Support for entrepreneurs to start new Ipswich continues to innovate and develop Theme 1 (A Stronger Ipswich Economy) of environment that stimulates business business while retaining and capitalising on its the Council’s Corporate Plan - ‘Building A start-up activity, and supports existing • Support for existing business to develop, distinctive heritage and character. We want Better Ipswich’: business growth. The Council will ensure grow and generate additional employment to see a thriving town centre, sustainable that all available partnerships, networks, opportunities in the Borough transport network and closer links between 1 We will make every effort to bring new and resources are readily identifiable to • Creating the right conditions that will the heart of the town and the Waterfront. investment and jobs to Ipswich. businesses, are straightforward to access - attract new investment into the town 2 We will provide incentives to bring empty and provide good value, with a focus on: “Ipswich will be an inspiring and shops and run-down areas back into use. exciting town perceived as both an Cultural heart attractive location for investment in 3 We will do more to ensure local business and a centre of excellence businesses are claiming the reliefs and grants they are entitled to. for education. Creative people in partnership with dynamic 4 We will improve the skills and businesses will drive a diverse and employment prospects of people who are innovative urban economy. A out of work by increasing the number of sustainable and low carbon Ipswich apprentices, volunteering opportunities and work experience placements. will enable individuals to flourish, and inhabitants will be notable for 5 We will seek to use local suppliers and their enterprise, ambition, creativity workers wherever possible. and pride in their town” 6 We will ensure that the Council has a properly staffed economic development This vision statement describes how the unit working to attract businesses to Council would like to see Ipswich develop Ipswich. over the next 14 years. We envisage the heart 7 We will encourage more people to of our strategy comprising of eight core volunteer and will support them to aims which are listed below. These aims will develop the skills necessary for be combined with a comprehensive drive to sustainable community-led activities. improve skills and training in the town, and will be supported by targeted initiatives that 8 We will help provide the necessary will stimulate private sector investment and infrastructure to enable Ipswich to afford new employment opportunities. develop and expand.
6 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 3 VISION
In the ‘More Enjoyable Ipswich’ theme of establishing a long-term programme of The Council and its various partners will the corporate plan, recognition is given to Council housing development; have varying degrees of influence in the importance of events to the economy of • Encourage and support the continued relation to the delivery of these initiatives, the town. There is an aim to “increase the development of University Campus as they will be effected by a wide range of number of events in Ipswich both for the Suffolk (UCS) and, in particular, its main external economic factors and conditions. benefit of residents and to increase the campus site on Ipswich Waterfront. The The following section is intended to number of visitors to our town” and an university’s expansion will be a crucial summarise the Council’s view of the short activity of promoting “an established factor in raising the profile of the town, to medium term economic climate, and How Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich festival season, building on the attracting additional inward investment how this climate may impact on the Key Partners Will Support Job success of Ip-art and the new Maritime and generating additional discretionary delivery of the strategy. Creation in the Ipswich Economy Festival and welcoming new creative and spend in the local economy; imaginative opportunities.” • Establish strong partnerships across the Ipswich economy and beyond in order to Ipswich Borough Public, Private, & Third Council Sector Partners The following list summarises a range of secure all available public and private + actions that are spelt out in greater detail in funding that will contribute to achieving later sections of this Strategy. It is envisaged the town’s housing and business they will form a strong foundation to development targets; Skills & Education IBC & External Funding support Ipswich’s future prosperity: • Oversee targeted initiatives to try and rejuvenate empty town centre premises • Through on-going engagement with an and encourage new business starts - e.g. Transport & Infrastructure informal panel of partners, the Council by launching an improved and expanded Inward Existing Business New Business will identify the best value options for test-trading scheme in the town centre; Investment Growth allocation of a £1.5m Jobs & Skills • Develop a co-ordinated marketing plan Culture & Recreation Investment Fund that it has established; with key partners to showcase the positive • Focus on tackling the issues associated attributes of Ipswich in order to attract with rising levels of youth unemployment, investors, both nationally and Housing working with partners to maximise access internationally; to work experience and apprenticeship • Assist with and support the new “All About opportunities; Ipswich” website Employment • Instigate a ‘Kick Start’ Development (www.allaboutipswich.com) to generate Opportunities Programme on Council owned land; additional interest and expenditure in the • Building the first Council houses in town. Ipswich for more than two decades - and
7 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 4 BACKGROUND & STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The UK economy has suffered its worst particularly for discretionary spend analysis of the local authority data ranks all • From 2012 -2013 Ipswich, Wigan and recession for more than 60 years. In 2011, products and comparatively low levels of 325 authorities in England. The information Derby experienced an increase in average 23,600 businesses collapsed, this is funding available for small and medium available lists the ‘top ten’ in each of the weekly earnings of more than £23 - the expected to rise to 25,600 in 2012, with a sized businesses. The volume of above economic performance indicator largest per head average increase of all UK projected further increase to 25,800 in 2013. commercial lending remains subdued and categories. Ipswich ranks: cities state supported funding initiatives are • 5th for ‘labour market’; • Figures for 2010-2011 showed that Ipswich The Council is aware that respected similarly scarce - as the Government • 7th for ‘environment and infrastructure’; ranked 59th out of 63 in terms of average forecasters are predicting a sustained continues to focus on reducing the national • 8th for ‘business and enterprise’; house price increases period of uncertainty over a minimum of budget deficit. • 8th for ‘growth in business stock’; • Ipswich also ranked 6th in terms of per the next three years in terms of growth and • 8th for ‘workforce growth’; and, head CO2 emissions investment, at both a national and OUTLOOK • 10th for ‘quality of life’. The Centre for Cities asserts that the current European level. Despite the pressures of a prolonged economic performance of the UK’s towns economic downturn, the Ipswich economy Cities Outlook concluded that: and cities should be viewed in two halves - To mitigate the effect of this widespread has coped comparatively well. While there • Ipswich ranks 4th of all UK cities in terms the initial ‘hit’ from of the major recession economic uncertainty on the local have been some notable redundancies, the of rate of population growth of 2008-2009, and the subsequent period of economy, this strategy will provide the relatively high proportion of small and • Fewer than 1 in 5 people in Ipswich have stabilisation and intermittent recovery scope and flexibility to enable the Council medium sized enterprises has allowed the Level 4 qualifications or higher - ranking 2009-2012. to adapt and respond to immediate local economy to be flexible in difficult Ipswich 60TH out of 63 UK cities. pressures. Annual operating plans will set trading conditions. out the detailed work that needs to be undertaken each year to successfully take RECENT NATIONAL COMPARISON this strategy forward. SURVEYS Three recent publications, The Due to prevailing economic conditions, in Management Journal (MJ) (January 2013), particular the continuing uncertainty over Cities Outlook (Centre for Cities) (January the future of the Euro zone, new and 2013) and Santander’s Town & City Index emerging market prospects for established (February 2013) have produced businesses and start-ups in all sectors are independent data of performance and have unpredictable in the short term. all featured Ipswich. The headline results are summarised below: UK market demand is struggling due to the The MJ study examined and ranked their combination of two key factors - a findings both in terms of towns and cities, persistently low level of consumer demand and in terms of local authorities. The
8 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 4 BACKGROUND & STRATEGIC CONTEXT
As an expression of this landscape the the UK, looked at from the perspective of Headline figures for Ipswich transport connections, major regeneration Centre produced its ‘Recovery from potential inward investors, both domestic • Ipswich ranks 24th of 74 urban centres of assets, super-fast broadband Recession Index’. The index examined the and international. The research was led by outside of London in terms of overall development etc. following four datasets: Professor Francis Greene of Birmingham competitiveness • A reduction in UK government funding for • Claimant Count - to estimate changes in Business School. The index examines the • Ipswich ranks 14th in terms of broadband nationwide business support services e.g. the number of jobs building blocks that make a specific connectivity Business Link services were reduced • Weekly wages - to account for the impact location more or less competitive and • Ipswich ranked 21st for average Council significantly in autumn 2011. of the recession on those in work which locations have derived benefits from Tax rates and overall Costs (including • Business base - to account for these key drivers. housing) In order to alleviate these challenges, the start-up/closure rates • Ipswich ranked 23rd for business and Council’s economic development and • House prices - to estimate land values enterprise (including sector diversity, planning teams intend to: business starts and survival rates) Ipswich ranked 59th out of 63 cities during • Ipswich ranked 60th of 74 in terms of • Work closely with relevant partners the initial recession period 2008 – 2009. talent (including proportion of people (business support organisations, Job However, Ipswich ranked 19th of 63 for the holding level 4 qualification or higher and Centre Plus, Department of Business second period 2009-2012. The findings those who hold no qualification) Innovation & Skills, UK Trade & indicate that while Ipswich was Investment (UKTI), Ipswich and Suffolk comparatively hit very hard by the Businesses in Ipswich are likely to face the Chamber of Commerce, third sector and recession between 2008 and 2009, it has following significant challenges over the community groups etc) to source available stabilised from 2009 onwards. In terms of next 1-5 years: streams of funding to support both capital relative improvement in this index from and revenue projects 2008/09 to 2009 - 2012, Ipswich ranked 11th • A sustained increase in the costs of raw • Provide timely and proportionate advice overall, well within the upper third of all materials and guidance on planning and cities, along with comparators such as • A comparatively low level of demand for development issues to encourage Cambridge, Brighton, Gloucester, discretionary spend products/services for potential investors to locate and expand Northampton and Chatham. Comparators the next 1-2 years minimum business in Ipswich who ranked outside this upper third • A greater proportion of funding for capital • Provide information, guidance and included Norwich, Oxford, Plymouth, and projects and start-up activity will have to sign-posting to all available business Peterborough. come from owners’ own cash reserves (if support networks and sources of potential any), or be leveraged against personal funding for start-ups and established The Santander UK Town and City Index assets enterprises seeks to identify the varying strengths and • Reduced levels of UK and EU government weakness of a range of urban locations in funding for infrastructure projects, e.g.
9 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 4 BACKGROUND & STRATEGIC CONTEXT
• Actively engage and maintain a dialogue The chart below illustrates how the Ipswich Chart showing the comparative percentage The relatively high proportion of people with business owners to monitor business community has coped well with decrease in the annual rate of new engaged in public sector activity in Ipswich emterprises 2007- 2010 emerging and sustained issues and recent pressures, with the closure rate may be one explanation for the disparity challenges significantly below that of both the eastern 35% between private and public sector • Identify opportunities to work region, and the nation as a whole. The 30% employment. The following chart shows the collaboratively with support agencies and annual rate of business failures between 25% comparative proportion of public to private organisations 2007 and 2010, increased by 10% nationally 20% sector employment in the Ipswich economy • Evaluate available opportunities for and 9% regionally, compared to a ruduction 15% in relation to the East of England and the assisting potential start-ups to ‘road test’ of 1% in Ipswich . 10% UK. their business ideas, e.g. working with 5% retail centre managers on test trading Proportion of public and private sector Chart showing the comparative percentage 0% schemes, supporting managers of increase in the annual volume of business employment 2010 England East of England Ipswich business incubation units, etc closures 2007- 2010 90% • Initiate joint initiatives with significant 14% The need for Ipswich to improve its 80% centres for skill development such Suffolk 12% performance in terms of entrepreneurial 70% New College, Suffolk One and UCS. 10% activity and the volume of start-ups is 60% 8% further illustrated by the following chart. The following charts compare 2007 (prior The chart below indicates that Ipswich is 50% 6% to the financial markets collapse) and 2010 more than 3% behind the national profile in 40% 4% (after which the full impact of the markets terms of self employment, and 4% behind 30% 2% problems had filtered down to every part of the East of England. 20% the economy). 0% 22% 78% 21% 79% 32.3% 67.7% 10% England East of England Ipswich Proportion in employment who are These charts outline some of the key self-employed (16+) Oct 2012 - Sep 2011 0% England East of England Ipswich underlying characteristics of the Ipswich 14% economy, highlighting why the Ipswich However, it is also evident from Office for 12% business community has coped National Statistics data that the Council As the government seeks to shift the overall 10% comparatively well through the initial and must focus on fostering the right conditions balance between the proportion of public to encourage a higher rate of 8% and private sector employment in the UK, current phases of the financial crisis, while 14% 14.6% 10.5% at the same time illustrating issues of entrepreneurialism in Ipswich. The chart 6% the Council will support people with the underperforming entrepreneurialism below shows that during the period 2007 - 4% potential and opportunity to start their own which need focused attention to ensure the 2010 the annual rate of new enterprises fell 2% business, facilitating advice and guidance town achieves a healthy and sustainable by around 16% nationally, 9% regionally, 0% to help Ipswich residents to become more recovery. but in Ipswich this figure fell by 21.2%. England East of England Ipswich entrepreneurial.
10 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 4 BACKGROUND & STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The Council recognises that the level of Unemployment rate (16+) INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN unemployment in the Ipswich economy as England East of England Ipswich IPSWICH a whole must reduce. Broad support for all 14% Despite the difficult economic conditions, those seeking employment is required as there have been several significant bright the following chart illustrates. Ipswich 12% spots for Ipswich over the past five years currently has an unemployment rate of 10% which will help to attract further investment 8.9%, 1.1% above the national average of 8% to the town. UCS, the first university in 7.8%, Ipswich is also 2.6% ahead of the East Suffolk, was established in 2007, and has of England figure of 6.6%. 6% grown steadily to a current student 4% population of 5,500 – with around 4,000 of The Council is keen to ensure that the small them being based in Ipswich. gap between the Ipswich and national 2% percentage profile that has increased since 0% Over the past four years Ipswich has also 2008 is closed over the next few years. October 2006 to October 2007 to October 2008 to October 2009 to October 2010 to benefitted from public sector investment in September 2007 September 2008 September 2009 September 2010 September 2011 Measures outlined in the Implementation infrastructure projects resulting in section of this strategy will specifically improvements to local highways, and the address this issue. Jerwood DanceHouse public realm, a new rail chord to improve freight movement from adjacent ports, as well as the instigation of an enhanced flood defence scheme.
Excluding London, there has been a nationwide reduction in investor confidence, however, private sector investment in Ipswich town centre has continued at a steady rate. To date, high street retail closures that have occurred have been largely in relation to the demise of national chains, and are not exclusively linked to declines in local economic fortunes.
11 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 51 INTRODUCTIONECONOMIC PROFILE AND AND EXECUTIVE KEY SECTORS SUMMARY
OVERVIEW • A relatively high volume of IT expertise, The following chart provides a snapshot of The employment rate in Ipswich exceeds In terms of attracting new businesses to which has largely spun out of, or is the proportion of employment by sector in the national profile in the following sectors Ipswich and encouraging existing connected to the research and Ipswich, and compares this profile against - Finance, IT & Communications, Transport businesses to expand, it is useful to analyse development activity at BT’s Adastral Park, the employment sector profile of the UK and Communications, and Public the town’s current profile of employment which lies on the eastern edge of Ipswich. Administration, Education and Health. sectors. This analysis provides an indication • Port and freight activity, stemming from The chart shows that more than 80% of the Ipswich is most notably below the national of existing skills, expertise and available both the town’s own commercial port, and Ipswich workforce is employed in the profile in terms of employment in the labour pools that businesses may be able to enhanced by the huge volumes of following sectors: Public Administration, manufacturing sector - 4.5% against a access. container traffic flowing through Education & Health (32%), Finance, IT, and national figure of 10.2%, and a regional Felixstowe (and the large workforce based other business services (26%), and figure of 10.3%. The current economic and employment their - many of whom live in Ipswich). Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants (22%). profile of Ipswich rests on four distinct areas of activity: PUBLIC SECTOR This sector features prominently in the • Public sector activity – alongside Ipswich employment landscape of Ipswich, with Borough Council, Suffolk County Council Employment by sector: Ipswich compared to UK 32% of people in Ipswich are employed in has its HQ in Ipswich. There is significant public services, compared to 27% provision of post 16 education - Suffolk 35% nationally . The largest public sector New College (a further education college), 30% employers in Ipswich include two local Suffolk One (a 6th Form College) and 25% authorities, one hospital trust, a university Employment University Campus Suffolk. If these 20% by Sector, and two further education colleges. The Ipswich employers are combined with Ipswich 15% Council is confident that employment in Employment Hospital and other ‘local’ offices (e.g. 10% by Sector, UK the skills and education elements of the Inland Revenue, JobCentre Plus etc), then public sector will be characterised by 5% the public sector represents the biggest moderate, but sustained growth in the 0% single employment sector in the town. coming years. However, if we exclude the • The concentration of insurance expertise university and the colleges, the current in the town - AXA and Willis employ over policy of central government renders it Construction Other services Other 1,000 people each in their Ipswich offices Manufacturing unlikely that there will be any substantial and these are complimented by a range of growth in the public sector over the next other major insurance sector businesses five years. District hotels and restaurants and hotels District
such as Call Connection and Liverpool communications and Transport Public admin, education & health & education admin, Public Victoria (LV). activities business and IT Finance,
12 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 51 ECONOMIC INTRODUCTION PROFILE AND AND EXECUTIVE KEY SECTORS SUMMARY
However, the Council does not anticipate Ipswich economy in terms of their significant driver of employment and any further large scale job cuts in this provision of employment, overall wealth income. However, in the wake of recent sector, and that the overall volume of generation, and potential to attract inward macro-economic events, both the banking employment will remain stable. It is a vital investment. However, the Council perceives and insurance sub-sectors have had to source of employment for people living that the Information and Communications make significant cuts, both in terms of within the town and therefore needs to be Technology (ICT) sector, and the skills and overall operational budgets, and in terms of promoted and developed. education sub-sector have the clearest overall staff numbers. In addition, potential for sustained growth of the insurance premiums on a number of As the sector has such a large employment established sectors in the Ipswich economy. common policies have risen sharply, base in the town it is reasonable to suggest These two areas are outlined in more detail although this has not had a significant that the skills needs are currently being met. in section 6 - ‘Potential Growth Sectors’ of impact on the volume of purchase of However, the Council is aware that this strategy. insurance policies. This sector remains consideration must be given to the comparatively buoyant, although the development of alternative and non market is likely to remain competitive for traditional routes into this sector for FINANCIAL SERVICES the foreseeable future. example through apprenticeships to Ipswich has a significant amount of activity The Willis Buiding and Axa encourage young people in Ipswich to in both banking and insurance; Royal Bank consider the public sector as a viable career of Scotland (RBS), Willis, and AXA are three path. of the largest single employers in the town. Recently Liverpool Victoria (LV) insurance The continued reductions in public funding expanded their presence in the town - by central government may suppress the citing the availability of an established and progression of key infrastructure projects knowledgeable workforce as a major which the public sector has previously attraction compared to alternative engaged in. As a result, joint projects with locations. Such examples support the the private and voluntary sector are likely to assertion that Ipswich’s skills pool for this be an increasingly common occurrence. sector is comparatively strong.
The following paragraphs provide more in Approximately, 16% of the working depth information regards the current population of Ipswich are active in private headline sectors in Ipswich. Some of businesses associated with some kind of these sectors are likely to remain stable, and financial services delivery or brokerage. continue to be a vital part of the wider Currently, this sector represents a
13 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 51 INTRODUCTIONECONOMIC PROFILE AND AND EXECUTIVE KEY SECTORS SUMMARY
PORTS AND LOGISTICS each type of commodity. As well as Ipswich’s port dates back to the 8th century shipping a significant proportion of Ipswich Port - Vessel and Storage Capability and the town has maintained an active Suffolk’s agricultural exports, Ipswich is also maritime character for over twelve hundred the UK’s largest grain exporting port. The Ipswich years. port can also handle general cargo, including fresh produce, steel and Vessel Size Wet Dock Cliff Quay West Bank The Port of Ipswich features a wide range of palletised cargo. facilities to handle varied cargo. The town Length 90 155 150 has a long and distinguished maritime In addition, the port has the facility to history; recently the heritage of the port has handle forest products from Scandinavia Beam 13.8 No Limit No Limit been highlighted by the successful and the Baltic states, combined with a resurrection of the annual maritime festival. timber treatment centre for wood Draft 5.5 8.4 7 The Port is adjacent to the waterfront preservative prior to onward distribution. re-development project, which will be the Mechanical Handling • Four 10-tonne capacity cranes focal point of investment activity and Port of Ipswich • One 15-tonne capacity crane rejuvenation in the town for the next 5-10 • One 40-tonne capacity crane years. • Two 35.6-tonne capacity rail-mounted gantries • Two 37.5-tonne capacity cranes The Port of Ipswich features a wide range of facilities to handle varied cargo. Over the Storage Extensive covered storage totalling 67,583 sq m, Two transit last 15 years approximately £26m has been sheds totalling 6,377 sq m, plus areas available for open invested in upgrading the port facility. storage. Further development of the port is continuing, and currently directly employs Felixstowe Port, the busiest container port in the UK lies seven miles south-east of Ipswich. In 125 people and is responsible for almost terms of assessing the port’s impact on the Ipswich economy, it is important to include 1,000 related jobs. associated logistics, transport, storage, and distribution activity. Logistics and freight businesses based in Ipswich are ideally located to benefit from future increases in import activity coming One of the port’s strengths is its handling of through Felixstowe. Allied to this, Ipswich is a major transport hub for the eastern region, with a dry bulk goods including aggregates, grain, The Port of Ipswich is currently operated rail freight upgrade linking Ipswich and Felixstowe ports with the Midlands by 2014. In addition, animal feed, fertilisers and cement. It has and managed by Associated British Ports Ipswich is a nexus point between the A12 and A14 - the region’s two most significant highways, over 16,000 sq m of covered warehousing (ABP), the significance and capabilities of connecting London with the east coast, and providing a corridor to Cambridge and the complete with segregated bays, and has Ipswich port is illustrated by the following Midlands. developed new infrastructure to deal with table:
14 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 51 ECONOMIC INTRODUCTION PROFILE AND AND EXECUTIVE KEY SECTORS SUMMARY
POTENTIAL GROWTH SECTORS differ from those of NALEP and the County interested in the broader East Anglian Investment by Travelodge on Duke Street The following section highlights a handful Council - not least because both tourism offer. To ensure that available and Premier Inn on Star Lane have added of sectors that the Council believes have the organisations have a more prominent rural marketing resources are maximised the two valuable additions to Ipswich’s town clearest potential to significantly grow over remit. Council will co-ordinate the establishment centre offer - providing a complementary the next decade and beyond. The Council of an overarching Ipswich Tourism alternative to the established Novotel, have been mindful of Ipswich’s unique As mentioned later in this strategy’s ‘Future Association. The Council is a partner of Ramada Encore and Salthouse Harbour character and contribution to the broader Developments’ section there are key sites in ‘Visit East Anglia’, this organisation hotels. Suffolk and New Anglian economy, and has Ipswich that have secured planning currently receives backing from both included those sectors that we feel are of permission for the development of private sector businesses and local The regeneration of the Waterfront in specific relevance to the Ipswich economy, comparatively large retail projects, most authorities to specifically promote the East Ipswich, combined with the continued some of which may not be a key priority for notably the investment being made at Anglian tourism offer. expansion of UCS will act as powerful our partners. Futura Park. This site, along with additional drivers to the expansion in value and significant developments both in the town Currently, Ipswich attracts around two employment opportunities of the tourism, Key partners for the Council in delivery of centre and in the wider Ipswich area are million visitors a year, the majority of which hospitality and cultural sub-sectors. We this economic strategy will be Suffolk likely to result in a significant increase in are day visitors. One of the key challenges anticipate that the emergence of a strong County Council and NALEP. Suffolk County retail jobs over the next few years. we will address is to increase the duration of partnership for tourism across Suffolk, Council’s draft ‘Skills for the Future visitors stay in Ipswich. Currently, the together with the efforts of Ipswich Central, Strategy’, has helped to shape the contents The Council is looking to strengthen visitor figures show that day trip visitors which is hosting a new “All About Ipswich” of this section of the strategy - particularly Ipswich’s existing retail reputation and significantly outnumber overnight, website, will increase the volume of day, with reference to sections outlining the enhance the town’s overall offering in terms weekend, or week long visitors. Recent weekend and holiday visitors to the town. energy, hospitality and tourism sections. of both the quality and diversity of figures also indicate that around 75% of shopping, leisure and entertainment on tourism visitors live within a 62 miles The Council will take steps to try and NALEP has publicised that while it is offer to visitors. The Council is confident radius. Therefore, there is significant increase the number of applicants to this committed to encouraging the that when these developments come to potential to grow the appeal of Ipswich as a sector, and highlight available training development of a wide range of sectors fruition they will lead to a greater volume of cultural and tourism destination outside of resources for those interested in a longer within both Norfolk and Suffolk, it is retail spending in the local economy. the immediate region’s boundaries. term career in tourism and hospitality. The focusing its attention on the growth of the Council is supportive of the measures Tourism and Energy sectors. Recent work with Ipswich Central and outlined in Suffolk County Council’s ‘Skills TOURISM & HOSPITALITY others has seen the creation of the ‘All for the Future Strategy’, relating to focusing Both Suffolk County Council’s and NALEP’s The Council is confident that Ipswich will About Ipswich’ website which is becoming on the development of customer service target sectors have been considered in continue to develop as an attractive the key site for all visitor related information skills and apprenticeships in this sector. framing this strategy’s growth sectors. destination in its own right, as well as being about Ipswich. However, Ipswich’s economic priorities will recognised as an anchor location for visitors
15 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026 51 INTRODUCTIONECONOMIC PROFILE AND AND EXECUTIVE KEY SECTORS SUMMARY
CULTURE Maritime Festival, an annual fireworks The Council will support efforts maximise Arts Ipswich is home to a wealth of diverse display, and the award winning Ipswich the investment that has already been made £50k for Waterfront light waves project heritage and cultural assets including: Arts Festival. The Ipswich Art Festival has in Ipswich’s cultural and heritage sector as £15k for Atrium Studios incubator space Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich Museum, attracted nearly one million people since its outlined in the following paragraphs. for creative industry Ipswich Transport Museum, Ipswich Art inception in 2003, generating £11.9m for the £100k for Doctor Who Crash of the Elysium School, The Regent Theatre, The New local economy. Examples of significant external investment Immersive Theatre production Wolsey Theatre, The Corn Exchange, The secured via Lottery in the arts, sport, leisure £50k Ipswich Arts School development Jerwood DanceHouse and the most recent These existing venues are a vital part of & entertainments impacting on the £420k for New Wolsey Theatre to remodel addition, The HEG (the High Street Ipswich’s thriving cultural economy, and economic climate in Ipswich over the past 5 the backstage area Exhibition Gallery) - as an education and additional projects are being undertaken by years include: community theatre performance space. the Ipswich and Colchester Museum Sport service to create a ‘cultural quarter’. £500k for Sports Hall at Suffolk New College The success and attractiveness of these £1m for development of Gymnastics venues is illustrated by the following annual Christchurch Mansion Centre at Gainsborough attendance figures : £150k for development of Tennis Courts at Christchurch Park 117,500 Visited Ipswich museums 170,000 Visited the Regent Theatre Leisure & Entertainment 97,250 Visited the New Wolsey Theatre £10k for Gipping Angling Preservation 46,680 Visited the Corn Exchange Society 5,390 Attended DanceEast £195k to provide access to community performances recreation facilities for children with disabilities The town also has 602 listed buildings including Grade 1 examples such as Two Lottery Funding allocations have Christchurch Mansion, Ancient House, and recently been awarded the Willis Building designed by Sir Norman £1m to Red Rose Chain for Gippeswyk Foster. In addition, Ipswich has two green Hall project flag award winning parks, which stage a £3.6mto transform St Mary at the Quay into diverse programme of annual events and a Heritage Centre festivals including major concerts, outdoor film screenings, Pulse Festival, Ipswich Music Day, Ipswich Mela, the Ipswich
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The Council aims to secure significant ENERGY acknowledged that certain activities e.g. companies, both Haven Power and Smartest capital funding to re-develop the High Ipswich is a key economic driver located in health & safety training and sales and Energy offer energy brokerage services to Street cultural property portfolio including the most diverse energy region in the UK. brokerage may fall under alternative commercial clients nationwide, they are Ipswich Museum, Exhibition Gallery, and The town is less than an hour’s drive from definitions, so the ‘real’ percentage may be amongst the fastest growing companies in Ipswich Art School as a cultural destination Lowestoft, home to the country’s most marginally greater. the Borough in terms of both turnover and of national significance to showcase local significant energy enterprise zone, and employment. Both companies are aiming to artistic talent, redevelop the New Wolsey NALEP have been granted ‘Green When analysing this sector it is important continue substantial and consistent Studio for the performing arts, and launch a to consider the potential that may exist for expansion over the next five years. community learning space with additional Pathfinder’ status to promote the area’s future engagement, whilst recognising that gallery provision for Ipswich Museum. expertise in the energy sector. In total there Ipswich is currently on the periphery of The Council will work closely with both Ipswich Town Football Club (ITFC), sited in are 23 offshore and 52 onshore wind farms certain energy sector activity - eg. Suffolk County Council and NALEP to the centre of the town, currently attracts at various stages of proposals in the east of generation, supply and connection. For ensure that Ipswich features prominently in around 400,000 fans into Ipswich each year. England. The scale of potential opportunity example, Ipswich is ideally placed to meet any promotional campaigns that are This significantly boosts the local economy that the renewable energy offers is the emerging demand for transport and targeted to secure investment into the before and after games, particularly in substantial. The UK is forecast to be home logistics, health and safety services, and energy sector. Ipswich’s relative size and relation to the leisure, retail and hospitality to 50% of Europe’s total wind-power growth brokerage and sales. In this regard the skills base in terms of professional services sectors. In addition, it is recognised that over the next 15 years. Council feels that the Port of Ipswich could means that the town can provide affordable ITFC’s Charitable Trust plays an important be a vital player in the supply chain and high quality support services as the part in boosting 16-25 year olds’ economic In addition to wind energy generation economy of the eastern off-shore wind energy sector expands in the region over the prospects in Ipswich through initiatives methods mentioned above, the Carbon projects, and we continue to work with next 5 - 10 years. The Council will also such as the ‘Team Programme’. Trust recently published a report scoping UKTI to promote the port’s capabilities to collaborate and support local education The club has an important reputation out the potential of marine power as wide an audience as possible. The Port of bodies as they work to address the inherent across the country and is well recognised by generation - Ipswich has an impressive array of services skills demands that the energy sectors’ a European, and even global audience. The and significant capacity to meet a range of expansion will place on the local economy. Council wishes to work with the club to “The UK's existing lead in the emerging commercial demands which could supply For example, the Council has already increase its key role in promoting Ipswich marine energy sector would allow the materials to locations such as Yarmouth engaged and is fully supportive of Suffolk as a regional centre. country to capture 22 per cent of the global and Lowestoft, who will be directly involved County Council’s East Coast Energy Skills market by 2050, generating around £76bn with offshore energy generation. Implementation Plan. for UK plc” A rapidly emerging sub-sector of the broader Finally the proposed development at Latest figures show that less than 1.5 % of energy landscape is commercial energy Sizewell provides plenty of economic and the Ipswich workforce is directly employed brokerage. Ipswich is home to two of the employment opportunities for the area. in the Energy sector , however, it must be UK’s most dynamic energy brokerage
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SKILLS & EDUCATION to both academic and vocational pursuits, enhancement of the creative sector and The Council recognises that in order to boasting a fully working canteen restaurant business support services such as The remain competitive and attract additional staffed and run by students. Eastern Enterprise Hub – thus ensuring investment the standard of commercially they are at the heart of a truly relevant qualifications must keep pace with, Suffolk One aims to offer the highest quality entrepreneurial town. In recent years and if possible exceed Ipswich’s potential of facilities in both academic and Ipswich has also seen the development of rivals. The Council will maintain its support technically based FE courses. As a result non-traditional education courses for for the expansion of higher level Suffolk One is attracting high calibre example the School of Social Entrepreneurs qualifications at all sixth form and further applicants from across Suffolk, and is now at the Eastern Enterprise Hub. education colleges, as well as supporting attracting applications from outside the the enhancement of the academic county’s boundaries. The Council is keen to see the skills base of reputation of UCS. Ipswich’s labour force reflect the sustained In addition to providing training these trend of the UK becoming a strong In terms of more direct intervention, the institutions also offer services direct to knowledge based economy. The Council Council will focus its attention on businesses. At UCS, the ‘Business will identify innovative and effective increasing the provision and quality of Development Team’, provides continuing methods of training and development to apprenticeships available to Ipswich’s youth professional development courses and also enhance the competitiveness of the local population . UCS is looking to maintain its use of applied research to provide knowledge economy. The Council perceives impressive growth over the next five years, consultancy and knowledge exchange with that in order to deliver these objectives we with an expected student body in excess of local businesses. The focus of activity will will need to enter into partnerships with 8,000 by 2017. The university has recently remain on cementing the university’s strong established education and training acquired a 0.76 hectare site on the reputation in relation to applied research, as providers, as well as local businesses and waterfront, and is undertaking research and well as trying to increase the volume of their respective trade and membership feasibility studies to maximise returns on international students attending the organisations such the Ipswich Chamber of the sites eventual usage. university. It is envisaged that attracting Commerce and the Federation of Small larger number so of overseas students will Business. The provision of post GCSE education help to stimulate potential inward continues to improve in Ipswich with investment, as visiting students may decide However the recently published students able to access a wide range of to settle and establish businesses in the educational attainment figures at both Key vocational and academic courses. Suffolk local economy. Stage 2 and GCSE levels show the New College is aspiring to achieve an challenges in this area for the wider County ‘outstanding’ level of review from peers UCS is committed to maintaining its and for Ipswich. within the next two years for its education excellent relationship with local business, services. The college offers courses related and is intending to focus on further The education quarter
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ICT AND CREATIVE Chart showing comparative volume of The Council will encourage and support Ipswich has a diverse array of smaller firms employment in the creative sector in Suffolk creative industries to supplement and engaged in Information and enhance the retail and cultural economy. Communication Technology (ICT) and the There is evidence to suggest that one of the creative industries, with a notable strength 2500 key factors restricting more rapid expansion in the areas of digital marketing and of the creative sector in both Ipswich and 2000 software development. Several of the latter Suffolk has been a comparative lack of 1500 have close links to Adastral Park on the shared creative space. The Council has eastern edge of the town. 1000 already provided £10,000 funding to UCS’s 500 Atrium facility, which is specifically aimed Both f urther education facilities in Ipswich 0 at providing low cost shared office and run a wide range of courses related to the studio space for the creative sector. BT at Adastral Park Ipswich Babergh Waveney Waveney
creative industries sector including: Art, Suffolk Mid Forest Heath Forest
Media Studies, Photography, Music Coastal Suffolk St Edmundsbury St Technology, Performing Arts, as well as various beauty therapy courses. UCS The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) delivers Film, Graphic Design, Graphic recently published a blueprint for this Illustration and Dance courses. In addition, sector’s growth, highlighting it as a potential one of UCS’s distinctive courses is focused driving force in the UK’s emergence from on computer gaming design, offering recession. This report stressed amongst courses in, Computer Game Design, other factors the crucial part that a suitably Motion Graphics and Photography. qualified labour pool will play, particularly Combined, these educational courses will in the field of digital marketing and significantly contribute to ensure Ipswich’s advertising, and also computer gaming, in creative graduates will enter the workplace which the UK is the biggest developer in with highly valued, sector relevant skills. Europe. As outlined in the previous paragraph, Ipswich already offers a diverse The following chart demonstrates the and high quality range of educational significant role that Ipswich plays in terms courses in creative and particularly digital of the overall creative sector in the county. creative fields. The Council will take an The majority of these jobs are related to active role in support of further efforts to software consultancy and supply. develop and promote these strengths to as wide an audience as possible.
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The Council is continuing its efforts to steps to ensure the necessary infrastructure, entire regeneration project. This strategy the waterfront area. The current owners of attract significant investment and cultural and recreation facilitates, and first supports the Council’s aspiration for the port – Associated British Ports have development projects, including rate educational institutions are in place to Ipswich to become both a renowned tourist invested in excess of £26m, (mainly on regeneration of key sites / areas such as the enable sustainable expansion. destination and centre for educational enhancing commercial assets and waterfront. The Council will also be seeking excellence. equipment at Cliff Quay and the West Bank significant capital investment to redevelop The Council is seeking to capitalise on the Terminal), in expanding the port facilities the area around the High Street and the unique appeal of the waterfront area, which The Council adopted a Town Centre over the past 15 years . museum as a nationally recognised cultural has undergone such a dramatic Masterplan in 2011 which incorporates the destination. The following paragraphs transformation over the past ten years. As ‘Waterfront Town’ ambition within it. More The Council is keen to enhance the outline significant developments that are well as UCS main campus building on the recently the Council has supported a bid led perception of Ipswich and believe the either underway, or hold potential for large waterfronts’ eastern edge the waterfront by Ipswich Central to win the government’s following factors are key: scale investment, leading to job and features a highly attractive Portas related X-Fund competition. housing creation. The realisation of these part-pedestrianised marina, with many • Regional recognition as an attractive projects is largely dependent on the cafes and restaurants. It is acknowledged There are on going efforts to attract destination for retail shopping, for confidence of the private sector to invest, that there are several developments which investment to this area of town, with the business activity and for public authority but the Council will examine proposals need to be completed in order to realise the scope of potential development extending administration carefully where there is a clear opportunity to significant projects on the periphery of • Nationally and regionally recognised to lend appropriate support and advice. Stunning Waterfront centre for educational excellence in terms of both higher and further education The Council will promote the town’s • Regarded and recognised at a national current economic strengths and expertise level as a centre for culture, leisure, the in its established sector make up, and the arts and entertainment potential of the town’s envisaged growth • An integrated and modern transportation sectors. We will with the County Council, system, connecting significant areas of NALEP and UKTI to ensure that Ipswich is interest, business and recreation within recognised as an attractive inward Ipswich, as well as rapid and reliable investment location at a regional, national, connections to UK wide transport links and international level. and London • Attractive and apparent to populations IPSWICH - EAST ANGLIA’S outside of the county (and possibly WATERFRONT TOWN country) as a destination for tourism, Ipswich is a town that is focused on its employment, and education. potential for growth, and has already taken
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COMMERCIAL Looking further ahead, local publishers The site ‘Futura Park’ development on Archant are working in partnership with a Nacton Road is the site of one of the most developer (Wrenbridge) to promote a 1.09 significant commercial regeneration and hectare site currently known as ‘The Link’. investment projects in Ipswich. The name alludes to the potential this site has to link the existing town centre to the Aquigen are leading a major 17 hectare waterfront, fulfilling a shared aspiration development scheme that will offer between the Council and Ipswich Central. businesses brand new, purpose built retail, The outline plans include offices, retail, office and industrial space. The first phase leisure, hotel space and a multi-storey car of the project is completed with a 2,415 sq park. m Waitrose supermarket and a 3,995 sq m John Lewis At Home store opening in late Tower Ramparts shopping centre was 2012. recently acquired and the new owners have indicated they are keen to keep the centre It is expected that these developments will as a retail hub. The Council continues to stimulate interest from additional retail work closely with them and Ipswich Central investors, resulting in a significant number to try and attract new, exciting, and of new job opportunities. A further 6,130 sq nationally recognised retail occupants to IP-City Centre EMPLOYMENT LAND m is available for non-food retail revitalise the vacant space. The Council is mindful that different development, and an additional ten business sectors need varying sizes of sites • Offices 2 sq m hectares of land has been designated for The Council is similarly engaged with the to achieve their development and • General Industry 36 sq m commercial employment usage. owners of the Buttermarket shopping expansion objectives. Some sectors are • Warehousing & Distribution 70 sq m centre to enhance the retail and leisure characterised by a large proportion of home The realisation of this development would offering, with new investors recently working, while others need large areas for It is therefore important that the Council, represent a major improvement to Ipswich’s receiving planning application to convert manufacturing, storage and warehousing. through its role as a local planning retail and general business diversity. the largest vacant space in the centre, Information from the Homes and authority, ensures that an adequate range previously occupied by TJ Hughes, into a Communities Agency indicates that the and choice of suitable sites is made Vue Cinema (scheduled to open in 2014). average area of floor space required to available for future investment and facilitate one full time job varies business development. considerably between different types of business:
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PRIVATE HOUSING housing stock, and believes this is a feature and a larger site at Bader Close in INFRASTRUCTURE As mentioned earlier, the Council has that will continue to attract inward south-east Ipswich. Over time, this The Council is considering the options for targeted the creation of 10,500 dwellings by investment enquiries. programme will involve (amongst other tackling a broad range of infrastructure 2027, in line with the overall expansion of considerations): finding and acquiring projects, including categories such as: the Ipswich economy. A key site in The Council will be undertaking extensive suitable sites/locations; determining the transport, broadband, and flood defence. achieving this goal will be an area of land consultation as it produces a masterplan for tenure mix; establishing design and that is commonly referred to as the the Northern Fringe during 2013. construction requirements; and agreeing The Council has set out a clear policy in its ‘Northern Fringe’. It is envisaged (subject to the financing and sustainability of funds. Local Plan / Core Strategy detailing the a completion of the master plan) that this COUNCIL HOUSE BUILDING process for the provision, funding and area could accommodate up to 4,500 The Council is about to commence the first The Council is also considering options support of community infrastructure dwellings. The Council is keen to maintain council house building programme in relating to supporting the local construction measures such as schools and education, Ipswich’s excellent offering in terms of the Ipswich for more than 20 years. To date this market, and drawing up a charter to sports and recreation facilities, and health range and comparative affordability of its programme has focussed on two small sites encourage local firms to offer care provision. apprenticeship opportunities to younger unemployed people in the Ipswich area. FLOOD DEFENCES Council home building is a medium term Improved flood defences will facilitate the objective, as there will need to be development of land close to the town considerable consultation, analysis and centre, which has the potential to increase evaluation in order to progress acquisition provision of housing, create opportunities of sites, deliver the individual building for new leisure and recreation facilities as projects, as well as any accompanying well as providing additional space for employment charter scheme. business development. The Council is working with NALEP to access £6.6m from the Growing Places Fund’ to kick-start the final stages of this project. This financial commitment has resulted in £24.5million of national Environment Agency funding being allocated (in February 2013) to the scheme so that it is fully delivered by March 2016.
Bader Close
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TRANSPORT the Council is keen to see significant into a full deal between Ipswich and the The upgrade of the rail link between upgrades to the A12/A14 ‘Copdock government. Our Deal, developed in Felixstowe to Nuneaton, being undertaken Interchange’, which serves as the nexus partnership with our neighbours, the by Network Rail, will allow Felixstowe to point for East Anglia’s two busiest highways County Council, local education providers continue its expansion, and reduce the on the south - western edge of Ipswich. The and the private sector, will be focussed on volume of additional road freight on the Council’s and the wider Ipswich business improving skills levels locally and in A14, as well as bringing increased community’s support for upgrades to both particular ensuring they are well related to opportunities for Ipswich based business. these major road connections is vital in local economic needs and that young In addition, Ipswich rail station will benefit terms of long term efforts to attract inward people get well supported into from the ‘Transport Fit for the 21st Century’ investment to the town. employment. scheme including upgrades to bus services which will improve the station’s appeal and BROADBAND encourage more people to switch to using One of the Council’s key long term targets public transport. will be to ensure high quality broadband provision throughout the Borough. The The Orwell Bridge An additional crossing of the river Orwell Council will make every effort along with would have the potential to ease congestion partners such as Ipswich Chamber of around the Star Lane gyratory system, and Commerce, the Federation of Small allow a more efficient flow of traffic from Businesses and Suffolk County Council to east to west when the Orwell Bridge is understand the needs of domestic and temporarily closed. However, due to business users in terms of broadband considerable funding requirements and flexibility and reliability. It remains other significant outstanding factors, the important that business has confidence in deliverability of such a scheme remains the timely availability of broadband uncertain. connections and speeds.
Looking outside the boundaries of the CITY DEAL town, the Council will continue support for Ipswich was one of 20 towns and cities schemes aimed at investment and around England given the chance to bid to development for overall improvements to become one of the Wave 2 City Deals the A12 (Southbound towards London, as locations. In February 2013 it was well as northbound towards Lowestoft) and announced that we have made the next the A14 towards Cambridge. In particular stage of the process – to develop our ideas
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REGIONAL GROWTH FUND (RGF) Ipswich Borough Council worked closely complicated and there are also risks to local To date, this funding stream has typically with ‘Street Meet’ an association of local areas of this localisation (if business rates been secured by large manufacturing or traders and residents predominantly were to fall). A ‘Suffolk Pool’ has been engineering companies that are looking to located in St. Peters and St. Nicholas Street created where all authorities are working undertake multi-million pound projects to – known as The Saints. Some funding was together on the issue and pooling monies - provide large scale employment secured to help create a series of themed, with the aim that some of any increase in opportunities. Ipswich’s business high-quality, specialised markets that local money will be collectively invested in demography does not closely align with the would combine entrepreneurial economic development and infrastructure RGF’s core criteria. opportunity with arts and entertainment. provision. The Saints However, the Council has supported an Further Portas related funding streams are application by Ipswich Chamber of likely to become available such as via the Commerce to Round 2 of the RGF seeking X-Fund (as highlighted previously). to secure £1m to support Ipswich small and medium businesses. This proposal sought to focus on the objectives of creating HIGH STREET INNOVATION FUND employment opportunities which may be Ipswich has secured an allocation of created by a broad range of small and £100,000 via the High Street Innovation medium sized businesses. Although this bid Fund. This fund was awarded on the basis was unsuccessful the Council has of allowing the Council to offer incentives subsequently contributed to a similar, but and possibly certain types of relief to traders larger scale bid made by NALEP in in order to stimulate and maintain the conjunction with Suffolk County Council vibrancy of the town centre. which has secured funds that Ipswich small and medium sized businesses can access – BUSINESS RATE RETENTION the Growing Business Fund. The government have introduced business rate localisation from 1st April 2013. PORTAS PILOTS Effectively this means that 50% of any real This funding stream focused on terms increase in the amount of business rejuvenation of town centres, bringing rates collected locally can be retained empty shops back into use and offering locally. This is intended to help incentivise local consumers a distinctive and local authorities to support and promote compelling reason to visit the town centre. economic growth. The rules are very
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Over the past two years the public sector Ipswich as a location for inward finalise the flood defence project. If the funding landscape has undergone a investment. The Council will capitalise on funding is secured the reduction in flood substantial overhaul. From an economic opportunities to engage with strategic risk will encourage the development of a development perspective, the most funding streams that may be available to number of sites within the flood plain significant shift was the closure of Regional support cultural and heritage activities from which could see the creation of 3,980 jobs Development Agencies, and the subsequent sources such The Heritage Lottery Fund’s in a range of sectors including; retail, leisure establishment of Local Enterprise Strategic Framework, Arts Council England, & hospitality, and business services. The Partnerships. Taking an even wider and the Youth and Community Strategy for reduction in flood risk will also facilitate the perspective - public sector funding at a Sport England. creation of an additional 2,400 new homes. national level has reduced, and therefore competition has intensified for what The Council will make an especial effort to funding is available. identify funding streams at all levels that have the potential to support and develop In these circumstances, Ipswich Borough low carbon and green business The Willis Buiding Council will strive to ensure Ipswich development. The Council has already receives its fair share of public sector attempted to attract such funding into the funding, supporting projects that will have town via its submission for the Green a meaningful and positive impact on the Investment bank. town’s future. This new funding landscape means that we will maintain and develop GROWING PLACES FUND our partnerships with the private and third This funding steam is administered by sectors, as well as our relations with Suffolk NALEP, and looks to provide funding for County Council and NALEP. NALEP have existing but stalled infrastructure projects, emerged as the conduit for a significant which will then trigger substantial number of economic development and economic growth. infrastructure funding streams flowing from central government. Ipswich Borough Council is confident of securing £6.6m from the Growing Places The Council will seek to align available Fund in order to kick-start the final phase of funding streams to specific projects that will the upgrade to the town’s tidal flood improve infrastructure, skills, (particularly defences. A significant proportion of this those areas related to our identified work has already been completed, but the potential growth sectors), and enhance additional funding is vital in order to
25 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026
APPENDIX 1
THE IPSWICH POLICY AREA (IPA) Other significant private sector Ipswich • A well co-ordinated plan for business The Ipswich Policy Area incorporates the employers include, Willis, AXA, RBS, LV=, support and the supply and management Ipswich Borough Council boundary area, and the East of England Co-operative of small business premises e.g. incubation along with the following electoral divisions: Society. space, for the SME sector Martlesham, Kesgrave, Rushmere St Andrew, Brightwell, Nacton, Purdis Farm, IPA Economic Vision: • Strong partnership working with UCS and Bramford, Sproughton, Whitton, Pinewood, • A thriving Ipswich as a major urban centre the colleges, to support enterprise and Copdock & Washbrook, Wherstead, with an improved retail and office offer, innovation in these priority sectors and to Barham, Akenham, Playford, Great expanded range of cultural and visitor develop an appropriate local labour Blakenham, Claydon and Little Bealings. attractions and strong focus on the supply for their expansion When these additional areas are included, creative sector Ipswich’s population exceeds 157,450. • A credible programme of infrastructure • A focus on the ICT sector based primarily improvements to ensure the vision can be Ipswich is the centre of economic activity on the area’s key asset: Innovation delivered and employment for surrounding Martlesham settlements as well as the town itself. There is a daily net inflow of 7,700 employees into • The retention of Felixstowe Port’s status as Ipswich. The Ipswich Policy Area supports a European “hub” in the face of over 80,000 employees. Including the competition from London Gateway and recreation, leisure and retail offering, the achievement of significantly greater Ipswich’s economy supports a wider local advantage i.e. jobs, from its increase population of over 310,000 with a combined in capacity for throughput of containers GVA exceeding £4bn. • A compelling offer from the sub-region to Including the recreation, leisure and retail complement the New Anglia LEP’s offering, Ipswich’s economy supports a initiatives in terms of Energy and Tourism wider population of over 310,000 with a combined GVA exceeding £4bn. • A comprehensive offer in terms of suitable, available and serviced strategic The Ipswich Policy Area’s key industries sites to support growth at the level include Adastral Park facility, which is home required, especially in these priority to BT’s UK Research & Development sectors division, with a workforce of over 4,000.
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APPENDIX 2
LIST OF KEY PARTNERS south east, committed to sharing best creating prosperity and bringing global Ipswich, offers vocational programs, AS/A Working with business owners and business practice to achieve innovative and recognition to our key business sectors. levels, GCSEs, Apprenticeships. representatives is beneficial both to the sustainable growth objectives They will be focusing particularly on the • Suffolk One- a new learning centre for 16-19 Council and its constituents. Engagement • Homes and Communities Agency- Tourism and Energy sectors. olds in South West Ipswich and South builds trust in the Council and also ensures National housing and regeneration agency • Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Service Suffolk. It provides a full range of education that the specific needs of Ipswich are for England contributing to economic (NWES)- An enterprise agency that helps and learning courses. addressed. This engagement will continue as growth by delivering high-quality housing individuals develop their business ideas. • Suffolk Training Advice Point (TAP)- the strategy is implemented. We will be that people can afford. They offer a fully funded professional Training department of Suffolk Chamber of working in partnership and also leading on • Ipswich Central- Aim to provide additional advice, start up business training Commerce. It provides an information and many projects with our partners: services to levy paying members, and programme, and a loan fund specifically for advice service throughout Suffolk. improve the overall presentation and anyone who has been refused business • The Princes’ Trust - Provides practical and • Associated British Ports- Owns and appearance of the town centre and credit from a bank. financial support to the young people who operates 21 ports throughout the UK. waterfront • Suffolk Chamber- Largest independent need it most. They develop key skills, • Eastern Enterprise Hub- Actions to • Ipswich Town Football Club- Branding private forum in the county. They work to confidence and motivation, enabling young promote enterprise and entrepreneurship synonymous with the Town, significant support and represent local business people to move into work, education or while increasing the number of business driver in attracting additional consumer interests. They also provide a programme of training. start ups and providing excellent enterprise spending, and prominent community networking events and key business • UK Trade and Investment- Works with support across the East of England. focused activities contributing to overall services. UK-based businesses to ensure their • Ipswich Chamber of Commerce- The economic growth • Foundation East- Industrial and Provident success in international markets, and Chamber of commerce dedicated to work • Job Centre Plus- Provides a wide range of Society, providing finance to viable encourage the best overseas companies to for and represent Ipswich business information and services, like benefits, businesses that have been refused bank look to the UK as their global partner of interests. loans to help with finding a job. finance. choice. • Federation of Small Businesses - Largest • Local accountants and solicitors- Due to • Suffolk County Council - responsible for • University Campus Suffolk - Brought campaigning pressure group promoting the withdrawal of business support services major services which are provided University learning to Suffolk for the first and protecting the interests of the in Ipswich we will be working with several countywide. These include education and time. It is a partnership between the self-employed and owners of small firms. key partners in local accountancy and law learning, business and trading standards, University of East Anglia and the University • Haven Gateway Partnership- Brings firms to develop business support services. and leisure and culture. of Essex. together the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich, • Mid Anglia Enterprise Agency (MENTA)- • Suffolk Education Business Partnership - • Voluntary sector organisations are very Ipswich, Colchester and Mistley. Through Aim to support new business start up Independent educational charity that important to the prosperity of the Ipswich identifying key priorities for the partnership through a combination of one to one specialises in supporting and developing as they provide additional support to those it actions to develop rail and road advice, business skills workshops and education business link activities. Working services provided by the public and private infrastructure, education and training, networking opportunities. as a central contact point for schools, sectors. More could be done by these tourism and regeneration. • New Anglia LEP - Private-sector led private colleges and businesses they develop services to provide employment and • Growth Cities Network - Network of smaller and public partnership. Focused on activities, programmes and events to enrich training opportunities for long term cities and large apsirational towns in t he creating the best possible environment for the national curriculum. unemployed. businesses to develop and innovate, • Suffolk New College - located in central
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APPENDIX 3
WHAT IS ‘TRAVEL IPSWICH'? Roundabout with traffic signals and signals to improve the flow of the traffic and WHAT WILL BE THE EFFECT ON (Formerly 'Ipswich - Transport Fit for removal of subways by offering real alternatives to the car. For MY BUSINESS? the 21st Century’) example, by offering improved walking and This scheme aims to accommodate the Travel Ipswich is a major transport scheme WHY ARE WE IMPLEMENTING THE cycling routes and bus priorities at increase in travel needs in the town by aimed at improving the way that everyone SCHEME IN IPSWICH? junctions. The aim of the project is that by using other travel options rather than the can travel around Ipswich. The Over the next 15 years the Ipswich area is 2021, despite an approximate 15% increase car. It aims to encourage more people to get improvements will support future predicted to face growth in housing and in travel needs there will not be an increase into the town centre. There will inevitably employment and housing growth in the employment. It is predicted that travel in congestion. be some disruption during the works but town. demand will increase by 15% by 2021. It is the overall effect should be positive. not possible to provide road capacity within HOW LONG WILL THE PROJECT The project aims to provide more travel the town centre to cope with this growth. TAKE TO ROLL OUT? HOW DOES THIS SCHEME RELATE choices for users of the town, allowing them This scheme intends, in partnership with The construction work on the project has TO OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS to make a change to other types of the ‘Fresh ways To Work’ scheme, to already begun, with completion expected in PROPOSED IN THE TOWN, SUCH transport, including walking, cycling or bus. encourage non car travel so that although the summer of 2014. The long time scale is AS TESCO? The scheme consists of: there will be an increase in travel needs in because the project will impact on various If the new Tesco Store is constructed it will • Refurbished and improved bus stations Ipswich, traffic levels will remain as they parts of the town centre and we want to provide part of the funding for the scheme • An electronic bus information system with were in 2011. ensure that the work is sequenced so that it including provision of walking and cycling displays at bus stops keeps disruption down to a minimum. routes alongside Grafton Way in front of the • A centralised computer controlled traffic HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST THE new store, which will connect to planned signal system will be provided for the town COUNTY COUNCIL? WHAT ROADS ARE AFFECTED BY routes to the station and the town centre. to get the most efficient use from the The project will cost £21.5million, with the THE PROJECT? town’s road network majority of the funding coming from the A number of roads in the town centre area HOW WILL THIS PROJECT HELP TO • A system to send updated bus times to Department for Transport (£18.3million) will be affected by the works. There will be: INTEGRATE THE TOWN CENTRE passengers via the internet and mobile with Suffolk County Council providing • major works at the junction of Civic Drive AND THE WATERFRONT? phones £2.5million and other sources, including and Princes Street. The new walking and cycling routes are • Detailed programme of improvements to developer contributions and Ipswich • works around both bus station locations designed to provide better routes from the walking and cycling routes and crossings Borough Council, providing the balance. on Crown Street and Friars Street. town centre to the waterfront and the in and around the town centre • some works along Museum Street, Princes education quarter of the town. • A programme of travel planning for WILL THIS EASE CONGESTION IN Street, Upper and Lower Brook Streets, people at work, home and school to THE TOWN CENTRE? Upper Orwell Street, Fore Street, Portman encourage travel without the car The project does aim to limit congestion in Road, Handford Road, St Nicholas Street • Town centre Wayfinding, maps and signs the town by introducing an updated and St Helens Street. • Replacement of Civic Drive/Princes Street computer system to control the traffic
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APPENDIX 3
HOW DOES THIS PROJECT RELATE TO THE IPSWICH TOWN CENTRE MASTERPLAN, IN PARTICULAR THE BOROUGH COUNCIL’S DESIRE TO COMBINE THE BUS STATIONS? The Town Centre Masterplan is a long-term vision for the town centre. It is acknowledged that there is a desire to combine the two bus stations in the future. This is unlikely to happen in the short term and the scheme proposals aim to improve the bus stations and provide real time information for passengers prior to implementation of the Masterplan.
WHERE DO I GO FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK? • Keep checking back to the website • Email us - [email protected] • Write - Economy, Skills and Environment - Transport Strategy, Suffolk County Council, FREEPOST, NAT 18364, Ipswich IP1 2BR • Phone - 0845 606 6067
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APPENDIX 4
30 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026
APPENDIX 5
31 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026
APPENDIX 6 - TOWN CENTRE MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
the Local Planning Authority considers any the development of a safe and Street) and an arena/conferencing facility planning applications for the Plan area. family-friendly night-time economy (Education Quarter on the Waterfront) • an improved open air market • improve links for pedestrians between the The aim is to enhance, remodel and • concentrate any large scale office Waterfront and town centre develop the town centre, delivering a development in the Ipswich Village/ • improve the comprehensive pedestrian programme of regeneration and renewal Portman Road areas information and wayfinding system, Walk which builds on the aspirations to be a • promotion of residential development, Ipswich regional centre for shopping and culture. particularly family units, throughout the • make Star Lane more pedestrian- friendly The intention is to achieve this aim through town centre. Any such development and easier to cross the following: - should create a safe, secure and friendly • extend pedestrianisation environment adequately balancing the • incorporate quality open space within all • encourage and promote the re-shaping of needs of residents and businesses to new development the town centre so its orientation extends improve quality of life for all and support • enhance the look and use of public spaces more north to south growth (including Cornhill) throughout the town • an additional 40,000m2 shopping floor • residential-led mixed-use development on centre space between (1) the Waterfront and the the Cox Lane car park east of Cox Lane • implement tree-planting schemes to town centre (Merchant Quarter) (2) (formerly known as the “Mint Quarter”) improve the street scene throughout the northwards extension of Tower Ramparts • implementation of the Ipswich Major town centre. and (3) Tacket Street car park west of Cox Scheme for transport improvements in so Lane far as it does not compromise other Sustainability is key to the development of • actively promote new developments objectives the town centre in the future, providing a The Town Centre Master Plan provides a which provide a range of unit sizes • provision of a series of medium-size healthy and vibrant environment for view of what Ipswich Borough Council and creating a greater variety to meet demands short-stay multi-storey car parks at Tacket businesses and retailers as well as an stakeholders agree is the way forward to in the retail market Street, Merchant Quarter, West End Road, attractive place for people to enjoy. achieve an enhanced town centre in • creation of street networks which promote Waterfront (east) and Crown car park Ipswich. The 15-year plan has an end date leisure shopping and are attractive and • improve bus access to the central area The delivery of the majority of these will be of 2027. It complements the adopted Core convenient for all pedestrians • relocation of the two bus stations to a driven by the private sector but the Council Strategy and Policies Development Plan • ensure that developments are cohesive single bus station on the Tacket Street car has an interest in some of the sites and is Document and other relevant policy and assist in the creation of a clean, safe park and creation of enhanced satellite committed to delivery of the proposals in documents. and user-friendly town centre bus stops strategically positioned around this Master Plan. It will be active in the • promotion of a “café culture” by the town centre pursuit of these objectives and will also The Plan is not a statutory document but it permitting more food and drink uses in • improved cultural and leisure facilities, consider Compulsory Purchase to unlock should be taken into consideration when the heart of the town centre and promote enhanced Museum & Arts Hub (High difficulties.
32 Ipswich Economic Development Strategy 2013 - 2026
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