The Council has published its 2024 Town Centre Report, offering a valuable update on how the town centre is performing.
Around 80% of units in the town centre are currently occupied by shops, cafés, restaurants and other services, a figure that has remained steady. This reflects the town centre’s ability to attract and support a healthy mix of businesses, even as retail trends continue to evolve.
The leisure and hospitality sector is also showing strong demand, with 81% of pubs, bars and takeaways currently in use. These businesses play a vital role in keeping the town centre dynamic and welcoming. New initiatives, such as the Sip’Swich pub trail, are helping to support this by encouraging residents and visitors to explore more of what the town has to offer.
While the number of vacant units has increased slightly by 1.5% over the past year, this remains well below the national average of 2.8%. Ipswich town centre continues to perform better than many others nationally, showing real resilience in a challenging economic climate. Recent developments also point to continued investment and confidence in the town centre, such as the Tower Street food hall, which brings together a variety of local food vendors under one roof.
The Council remains focused on making Ipswich town centre a place where people can shop, socialise, experience brilliant culture, live and access the services they need.
Find out more and download the report at: Retail Surveys | ipswich.gov.uk