Revised plans for Ipswich Arras Square will be submitted after police expressed concerns, causing delays and redesigns.
Police concerns caused a delay, as officers often deal with crime there. Councillor Inga Lockington asked about the project at a council meeting on Wednesday evening.
Council leader Neil MacDonald responded to her query, explaining that architects are revising the plans and aim to submit a new proposal soon.
Lockington mentioned past spending on the project, noting the council already spent £323,170 on older plans and hopes to spend £906,930 in 2025/26.
The first plan included seating, paving, drainage, lighting, CCTV, bins, and trees. Ipswich residents also chose a mural for the new square.
Ipswich Central supported the initial plan greatly, believing it would attract more people. However, police had previously reported issues in the area.
Specifically, police reported instances of people having sex on tombstones, as well as antisocial behavior and drug use over the past five years.
Police wanted railings on tombstones and requested CCTV coverage of the area. MacDonald said they redraw the plans based on these issues.
MacDonald stated that a new plan will appear before the borough council’s executive committee. The old plan will be withdrawn soon, pending approval first.
MacDonald explained the desire to review the plan. Architects are now working on the revised design, and the “Towns Fund Deal” team is also involved in the Arras Square project.
He added budget issues and government changes also matter and need consideration.
Lockington felt disappointed by MacDonald’s answer and spoke about it on Thursday after the meeting.
She believes they are delaying without strong reasons, understanding devolution makes them busy now but also that there were other issues before.
Lockington thinks MacDonald should delegate the project to someone else who could handle it.
Lockington reiterated prior expenditures, noting they spent money on Arras Square in past years, totaling £323,170 already.
The financial plan includes £906,930 for 2025/26, designated to fund the Arras Square project.
The original plans included public voting where people chose designs for square engravings.
The public specifically chose their favorite seating design, envisioning the seating as a new amphitheater.
Three designs were options for the residents, all honoring soldiers who fell in the World War One Battle of Arras.