Partners unite to deliver powerful case for investment in Sudbury
Suffolk County Council, Babergh District Council, Sudbury Town Council and South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge are working collaboratively to develop the long-term vision, providing a clear framework to guide future growth and investment opportunities across the town centre.
Building on the recent announcement of improvements to Sudbury’s bus station in Hamilton Road, the partners have also agreed to jointly commission an options appraisal to explore the long-term future of the facility as part of the wider masterplan. The appraisal will consider a full range of possibilities, including relocation, to help determine how public transport infrastructure can best support the future needs of residents, businesses and visitors.
The masterplan will take a fresh look at how Sudbury functions as a town and identify opportunities to strengthen its role as a thriving destination to live, work, and visit. It will consider critical issues including transport and traffic movement, the future use of key sites, regeneration opportunities, housing growth and the long-term sustainability of the town centre.
Public consultation and engagement will form a key part of the process, ensuring residents old and young, businesses and stakeholders have the opportunity to help shape their town’s future.
Importantly, the work will also help inform future planning policy and provide a strong evidence base for investment propositions and funding bids, enabling local partners to make the strongest possible case for securing additional external funding for the town.
Once complete, the masterplan will provide a clear roadmap for future development, helping partners deliver projects that meet the needs of a growing population while preserving the qualities that make Sudbury unique.
“All four partners are committed to working together on a shared vision, backed by evidence, meaningful public engagement and a focus on delivery. This is about creating a roadmap to shape future planning decisions, strengthen our case for external funding and attract the investment Sudbury needs.
“We know there are challenges to overcome, but Sudbury is a town of huge opportunity and potential. By working together and listening to the people who live and work here, we can make sure Sudbury’s future is shaped by the needs and ambitions of the town itself. Our goal is to preserve Sudbury’s special character but also to secure a future of opportunity for coming generations. We want a town that will work for everyone.”
“This partnership approach will help us identify the right priorities for Sudbury's future, ensuring any investment is targeted where it can make the greatest difference.”
“We are excited that the masterplan will seek to deliver visible results to secure Sudbury’s future as a thriving market town.”
“Sudbury has significant opportunities for growth, but for too long regeneration has been held back by the challenge of relocating the bus station - without which it would be much harder to attract the scale of private investment required. Of course, it’s vital that any new location still delivers an effective service for the town. The key point is that funding is now available to do this work, but it requires every stakeholder concerned to seize this moment, in order to crystallise Sudbury’s regeneration.
“I will continue working with local partners to take this forward - backing our town centre, supporting local businesses and creating a stronger future for Sudbury.”
