Community projects linked to local shopping parades across Ipswich are being invited to apply for Towns Fund Shopping Parades funding.
This funding, which aims to improve local community facilities, forms part of the £25m Towns Deal for Ipswich that uses extra government funding to help improve the town’s economy.
Expressions of interest are welcome. These must focus on community projects across the Borough that will improve the experience or encourage visitors to local shopping parades.
Community organisations with a strong geographical link to a local shopping parade should evidence how the funding will benefit those using the parade to be successful. Up to £20,000 per project is available, but for projects able to demonstrate significant impact, more money could be granted.
Projects offering community support; education and training; health and wellbeing; sports, leisure, and recreation; environmental or sustainability activities near to shopping parades are eligible to apply.
To find out if your local shopping parade is eligible to apply for funding, for an expression of interest form or for further information, email: town.deal@ipswich.gov.uk
The closing date for expressions of interest is midnight on 29 July 2023.
Following a short assessment process, projects which best meet best the needs of the local area will be asked to develop full proposals.
Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Deputy Leader of Ipswich Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy and Transformation, says:
“We’re pleased to be welcoming new applications to fund community projects linked to shopping parades across the Borough.
The Towns Fund enables much needed investment for shopping parades around Ipswich that are vital to our local communities. It’s great that we can offer further support for the benefit of our communities.”
Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, Dr Dan Poulter said "I worked hard to secure £3million of Government cash to support Ipswich's local shopping parades.
It's important that community projects with links to local shopping parades put their hands up and make their voices heard regarding where they would like to see this money best spent in order to benefit residents in Ipswich and improve the experience of visiting our local shopping parades."
Paul West, Cabinet Member for Ipswich at Suffolk County Council says:
“It’s great news for Ipswich that local shopping parades can benefit from the funding provided by the government as part of the Towns Fund.
I am sure there will be many applications and would encourage all those who are eligible to come forward with ideas”.
