Purpose

Ipswich Borough Council, in partnership with
Ipswich Central (the Business Improvement District for Ipswich Town
Centre), acknowledges the significant role that the culture and
heritage sector and stakeholders play in enhancing the social,
economic, health, and environmental well-being of Ipswich town. To
fully harness these benefits, a robust Place-based Culture and
Heritage Strategy is being developed.
 
The key reasons for this strategy include:
• Highlight Ipswich's cultural and
heritage assets.
• Enhance quality of life for
residents.
• Attract visitors and investment to
Ipswich.
• Promote health and well-being.
• Drive sustainable economic growth.
• Assist in making the case to secure
City Status for Ipswich
 
To achieve these objectives, the Council, in
partnership with Ipswich Central, has engaged a consultant through
the Ipswich Borough Council’s procurement process, which
adhered to regulations for pricing work
 exceeding £25,000. The
procurement brief and process involved input from New Wolsey
Theatre, Suffolk Archives (The Hold) and Ipswich Central and the We
Are Ipswich collective.
 
This comprehensive work will include
establishing a clear vision, a strategic framework, and a practical
delivery plan in collaboration with stakeholders across local,
regional, and national levels.
 
The strategy aims to celebrate Ipswich's rich
cultural heritage and position the town as a leading cultural  destination
within Suffolk, aligning with broader regional priorities and
setting a benchmark for innovation  and
ambition in the sector.
 
The development of the Cultural and Heritage
Strategy is being funded through the UK Shared Prosperity  Fund (UKSPF)
contribution £24,899 and Ipswich Central contributing
£10,000 towards the project.
 
Achates Philanthropy Ltd were successful in
the Procurement process and will start working on the  strategy in January
2025. Contract commencement is January 2025, final draft of
strategy set for end of  March 2025. Total contract worth
£27,995.

Decision

To appoint Achates Philanthropy Ltd as
consultant for the Cultural and Heritage Strategy. Contract
commencement is January 2025, final draft of strategy set for end
of March 2025. Total contract worth £27,995.
 
Reason:
To develop a strategy to fully harness the
benefits and role that the cultural and heritage sector and
stakeholders play in enhancing the social, economic. Health and
environmental well-being of Ipswich.