4th September - Jack Abbott Welcomes Ipswich Borough Council Takeover of Former Debenhams Store

The acquisition of Waterloo House is another important step in the wider regeneration and investment programme of Ipswich's town centre. It sits in a pivotal location, but this empty building has left a scar on our high street for half a decade and I know how desperately local residents want it to be given a new lease of life.

With that in mind, I am delighted Ipswich Borough Council are using Government funding to take ownership of the building as a flagship project for the town centre's regeneration.

However, I am clear that the aim cannot simply be to replace an empty building - we must create a vibrant, sustainable and attractive destination in the heart of our town that supports the future growth and prosperity of Ipswich.

You can hear me talk more about it here.