Key benefits of city status for Ipswich
The increased investment, tourism and interest that cities receive over towns can generate huge benefits for residents and local businesses. No town in modern history has chosen to undo their transition to a city. However, we understand that there are some who are unsure of Ipswich becoming a city, and may be uncomfortable with the idea of Ipswich no longer being a town.
To better understand and explain the benefits of city status, we have worked with national experts and spoken with places that have recently won city status, to create a list of the key benefits.
Attracting New Businesses
Becoming a new city is a great selling point for attracting new businesses, visitors, students and residents; that all help to make a place more vibrant and dynamic. Many national brands aim to have a store or premises in every city in the UK, and becoming a new city would give Ipswich a unique-selling-point over other destinations in the region.
EXAMPLE: When Preston was given city status in 2002, the city quickly became one of the top five areas in the country for private sector growth. Stephen Parkinson, who led Preston’s bid, said: "It was a unique selling point when talking to developers and investors. You are recognised internationally and nationally as a place that means business." [Source: BBC News]
Greater Investment
Some Government funding and initiatives are specifically targeted at cities, such as the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), City of Culture, and Future Cities UK (Innovate UK). As a new city, Ipswich would be well placed to make strong bids for these funding; which would see huge investment and regeneration in transport and infrastructure.
EXAMPLE: Newport claims that city status raised their profile and helped to secure more funding for regeneration projects. It attracted a wave of high profile businesses and became a key location for Government department headquarters. [Source: Newport City Council]
More Tourism Interest
Cities are the heart of human culture, and therefore attract tourists and visitors looking for new experiences and the next “undiscovered gem”. Becoming a city would raise the profile of Ipswich nationally and internationally; attracting more visitors that add to the local economy and create further opportunities for jobs and businesses.
EXAMPLE: Brighton and Hove local authority felt that tourism was given a ‘credible boost’ from becoming a city, and the international profile of the area was hugely increased. [Source: Brighton & Hove City Council]
A New Narrative
Changing from a town to a city would demonstrate to the world that Ipswich is a place moving forward, not looking back; a place not to be ignored and ready for the future. This new narrative can be hugely beneficial for enticing tourists, attracting investment, and strengthening civic pride.
EXAMPLE: When Newport were making their city status bid in 2002, they spoke with Sunderland City Council Leader, Colin Anderson (who secured city status in 1992), who said: "Sunderland started to get a smile back on its face" Remembering life before Sunderland's bid for city status was accepted, he adds: "At the time, the town was struggling from a lot of hard knocks; we'd lost our ship building industry and the coal mines were just about to be closed.” [Source: South Wales Argus]
Celebrating Arts & Culture
Cities are hubs for arts & culture. Whilst Ipswich already has an incredible cultural offering of theatres, venues and organisations that rival many UK cities, city status would be a huge boost for the local arts scene and visitor economy. Becoming a city would also give Ipswich the opportunity to bid for City of Culture, which has been transformational for places such as Coventry, Derry, Hull and Liverpool.
EXAMPLE: After Hull was named UK City of Culture in 2017, a reported £89million of direct investment was attracted as result, along with an additional £676million generated in the local economy. 800 jobs were also created and employment in the cultural sector increased by 15%. [Source: University of Hull]
Better Opportunities
All of the above factors combined help to create better opportunities for local people. New businesses and visitors bring new job opportunities and greater investment brings opportunities for regeneration; all helping to reduce unemployment, boost skills, and raise aspirations for residents.