IPSWICH has today appointed a new project manager to spearhead its campaign to make the most of the 2012 London Olympics.

Craig Robinson

IPSWICH has today appointed a new project manager to spearhead its campaign to make the most of the 2012 London Olympics.

The town is just 45 minutes from the main stadium at Stratford and it is hoped Suffolk will make an ideal base for competitors' families and visitors wanting to attend the Games.

The borough council is also in discussion with the international Olympic committees of Azerbaijan and Barbados - offering a comprehensive training package in and around Ipswich.

John Stebbings has been appointed 2012 project manager and today he attended the inaugural meeting of a new think tank to pool ideas on how the town can make the most of the Games

He said: “This is a very exciting campaign which will gain momentum as we approach 2012. Ipswich is in the right place at the right time and we are working with a number of sports providers across this part of Suffolk and with Suffolk Coastal District Council to promote the area as a training base and as a visitor destination.

“Along with our partners we have successfully gained seven approved training facilities as potential venues representing a wide range of sports.

“Most of the logistics will centre on Felixstowe Port, which will handle the vast array of equipment coming into Britain. With our excellent rail links and our location just up the road we want to push our sustainable credentials.”

Richard Atkins, the borough council's planning and development portfolio-holder, added: “Ipswich is growing very fast, with a new university, hotels, and community facilities built or in the pipeline.

“As the county town and the principal urban area, we are obviously the lynchpin for this strategy and we want to see an Olympics boost for businesses large and small.

“Tourism is big business here already and once people from all over the world see what we have to offer that is sure to grow. This will bring benefits to everyone.”