As part of the ‘Turning our Town Around’ initiative, Ipswich Borough Council asked residents and local businesses to vote on which area they would like redeveloped, and with the most votes, Arras Square was selected.
This redevelopment programme will see improved lighting, seating, paving, and new foliage to create a welcoming and open green space.
To help design this public space, we are working with Erect Architecture to create designs consistent with the surrounding area. We have also consulted with members of the local access forum group who provide strategic advice on the improvement of public access.
Continuing with our consultative approach, we would now like to invite members of the public to vote on proposed designs for the engravings in the Square. To help us create the space you want, please choose your favourite design for the engravings on the new amphitheatre seating area.
There are three designs to choose from; all pay homage to the military personnel who fell in the Battle of Arras in WW1.
Poetry | Mythical Creature | Arras Arches |
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Poetry
We have contacted the Suffolk Poetry Society for some options regarding poetry relating to the Battle of Arras in WW1. If this is the preferred option, Councillors will select an appropriate piece, which will be hand-carved into stone by a local artisan and then fixed to the concrete base units in the new amphitheatre seating area.
Mythical Creature
This relates to an image carved into the ancient bressummer beam (due to be relocated to St. Stephens church) previously located in Arras Square.
Arches
Imagery that relates to the arches in Arras, France.
Councillor Martin Cook, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Resources, says:
“As a Council it’s important to us that local people are involved in local developments. We initially asked for people to vote on which area they wanted to see developed. Arras Square received the highest number of votes, and now we’re asking residents and local businesses to vote on the designs to be used for the amphitheatre seating area.
Building a Better Ipswich and creating community spaces which can be enjoyed by everyone, is vital to keeping our town centre alive”.
To vote for your favourite design, please complete the online survey.
