Ipswich becomes part of a wider global conversation

The Ipswich Portal has recently become part of an even wider global conversation, after linking up with Asia’s first-ever Portal in Manila, Philippines – the sixth installation worldwide.

Installed on the Cornhill in the heart of Ipswich town centre, the Portal has already become one of those rare things in public space: something people actually stop for. Wave at. Smile at. Talk about. And, quite often, talk through – both to people on the other side of the world and to complete strangers standing next to them here in Ipswich.

The newest Portal, launched earlier this month in Bonifacio Global City, now connects live with Ipswich via a real-time, life-sized video link. For anyone passing through the Cornhill, that means the chance to see, wave to and interact with people in the Philippines instantly – a shared moment across continents, happening right in the middle of town.

Global connection… and something wonderfully local

Since it first switched on in October 2025, the Ipswich Portal has linked the town with cities including Vilnius, Lublin, Dublin and Philadelphia – and more locations are planned, including Brazil.

But what’s been just as striking is what’s happened around the Portal itself.

A side-effect of international connection has been local connection. People pause. They linger. They comment on who’s on screen. They laugh together when someone waves back. Strangers strike up conversations that simply wouldn’t happen elsewhere in the town centre.

As Ipswich.Love team members, we’ve seen it – and been part of it – every time we’re in town. The Portal has quietly created a shared moment of curiosity and joy in a busy public space, reminding us that towns work best when they give people a reason to look up, slow down and connect.

A growing international network

The Portals are part of a worldwide network operated by portals.org, an organisation dedicated to creating human connection across borders. Each Portal is a 24/7 public sculpture, allowing spontaneous, unscripted interaction between people who might otherwise never meet.

With Manila joining the network, Ipswich continues to play an active role in this global experiment in digital placemaking – one that blends technology, public art and everyday human curiosity.

Cllr Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, has described the Portal as a powerful way for residents and visitors to experience other cultures live and in real time, while reinforcing Ipswich’s identity as an outward-looking, connected town.

Part of a wider digital moment for Ipswich

Ipswich’s involvement in the Portal network sits within the wider Digital Ipswich programme, supported through the Towns Deal. The aim: to re-energise the town centre with creative, interactive experiences that invite people to engage with Ipswich in new ways.

Earlier this year, that also included the launch of new augmented and virtual reality binoculars at key historic locations – allowing people to explore Ipswich’s past through immersive, street-based technology, free to the public.

Together, these projects position Ipswich not just as a place you pass through, but as a place you experience – where global ideas meet everyday life, and where even a quick trip into town can turn into a moment of shared connection.

Who wrote this about Ipswich?

Miranda Acres

Miranda has been a Freelance Marketing and Design Consultant for more years than she cares to remember. Co-founder of the Ancient House project – breathing life back into one of Ipswich’s most iconic, heritage buildings and supporting small businesses. A passionate member of Ipswich.love. Born, bred and choosing Ipswich.