Lee Walker is the new CEO of Ipswich Central

Lee Walker has been appointed new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ipswich Central, with key priorities for the organisation to increase safety and celebrate the town.

Lee, who lives in Ipswich, will officially join Ipswich Central on 1 July after a decade working across the place-making industry. Most recently, Lee worked as the Director of The Nottingham Project, harnessing the power of culture and creativity for the regeneration of the city. Lee worked alongside world-famous designer Thomas Heatherwick on the revisioning of the Broad Marsh, the biggest development space in a city centre in Europe.

Lee said: “I am proud to be from Ipswich and to call it home. It’s a home for me and my family but also home to an amazing community and businesses that range from small independents to a Premier League football team. I want to play a part in making sure that we seize the opportunity to shout loudly and proudly about Ipswich to the global audience we now have and celebrate everything that is great about our town.

“My priority is for Ipswich Central to deliver for the town and for Ipswich to be cleaner and feel safer than ever. This is why we have a dedicated on-street security presence and will help businesses by increasing the appeal of the town as a place to visit.

“Beyond this, I believe in the power of a strong and empowered cultural, creative and heritage sector and have seen first-hand what a difference that can make to a place.

“Ipswich Central has already led some incredible work through the Thomas Wolsey 550 project and I believe we can build on this, giving potential visitors a powerful reason to choose Ipswich and enjoy Suffolk’s County town.”

Terry Baxter, Chair of Ipswich Central, adds: “Following a rigorous search and recruitment process, I am delighted that Lee is joining us. With the recent high-profile success of our football team and the strong work delivered through the Wolsey 550 project, we are keen that the town looks and feels a safe place. We want to play our part in this, which is why we are committing additional resources, straight to the front line of the town.”