People in Ipswich left unimpressed by digital portal.

People in Ipswich are disappointed with the new entrance in the town centre, saying the money could have been better spent elsewhere.

The digital structure, which displays a live broadcast of cities around the world, is the first of its sort in the UK and debuted on Cornhill on Wednesday afternoon.

Although the portal’s exact cost is unknown, it is part of Ipswich Borough Council’s larger £2.34 million ‘Digital Ipswich’ project funded by the government’s Towns Fund.

The funds were restricted and could only be spent on certain projects in the town core.

However, when this publication spoke with residents in the town centre, they stated that the funds could have been used for more pressing improvements, such as the Waterfront or the long-vacant Debenhams building.

Ken Hammond stated, “It’s a complete waste of money and an absolute joke.”Ken Hammond has been in Ipswich since the 1940s (Image: Oli Picton). “I have lived in Ipswich since the 1940s and it has never been worse, that money could have been spent knocking down the eyesore of the [Paul’s] Silo or sorting out all of the empty shops like over there [Debenhams] – it’s an absolute shambles.”

William Chapman of the Hot Sausage Company, which has a booth near the gateway, said it was unlikely that it would attract visitors to the town.

He stated, “I believe there are other things they could have spent the money on; we have a number of vacant shops in town that they might renovate.

William Chapman of the Hot Sausage Company (Image: Oli Picton) “It is a bit of fun I suppose, but I don’t think it will draw a lot of people to the town.”

When queried about the gateway, another individual commented “the money could have been spent on something else” and that “it would probably end up like Dublin”.

He was referring to an earlier incident in Dublin, in which a woman flashed her breasts at a gateway leading to New York City.

Councillor Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said he was thrilled to announce the gateway, which will help Ipswich “connect” with other cultures.

He stated, “I’m happy that we’re the first area in the UK to accept this creative sculpture, which has proved enormously popular elsewhere.

“The gateway brings individuals from different nations together as a window into our thriving town centre, allowing us to experience various cultures and connect with families and people all around the world.

“We can’t wait to see everyone and I know residents will be curious to peek into other countries for free, without having to travel from their home town.”

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