Delivery of key town centre redevelopment projects.  This will promote town centre vitality and viability, link parts of the centre and provide new sites for important new facilities and services.  Improved public transport provision through bus station enhancement and potential sustainability benefits.  Also to promote community uses of part of the sites.

Project Scope

To prepare architectural and commercial feasibility studies to support a town centre redevelopment.  To prepare a development brief as a supplementary planning document. 

Aims

• Provide a clear framework for development of this area of Sudbury to enable regeneration which delivers economic and environmental benefits.
• Provide an opportunity for comprehensive redevelopment contributing towards sustainable transport and significant highway improvements for all users.
• Create the opportunity for an appropriate mix of uses.
• Act as a catalyst for commercial and economic development in the town centre on land within and adjoining this site.

Outcomes

• Long term outputs expected are job creation, local and wider economic growth, aesthetic improvements and making use of brownfield site. 
• Deliver a clear development brief which has support and involvement from the local community.

Status

Funding for 2008/9 £234,900

Funding for 2009/10 £100,000

IDP Package: Strategic and Long Term

Status as at 31 December 2008:

• Quotation for Phase 1 Feasibility Study requested.
• Appointed consultants for Phase 1 of Feasibility Study
• Requested quotation for Phase 2 Feasibility Study
• Appointed consultants for Phase 2 Feasibility Study

 Status as at 31 March 2009:

• Phase 2 Feasibility Study underway

Status as at 30 June 2009:

• Further work undertaken on Phase 2 of the feasibility work/development brief.
• A more detailed project management programme is now in place.
• Early work on feasibility study has enabled a more detailed and realistic timetable to be prepared.
• Babergh District Council and Suffolk County Council established an officer group.
• Stakeholder consultation underway.
• Joint communications and PR plan prepared.

Status as at 30 September 2009:

• PR and consultation preparation undertaken including early awareness publicity.
• Work continues on feasibility study/development brief.

Status as at 31 December 2009:

• Public consultation completed with a good response.
• Representations now being addressed.
• Preparation of design brief progressing well.
• Report on responses together with a recommendation to approve final SPD going to Babergh District Council on 11 February.

 Status as at 31 March 2010:

• Development brief adopted as scheduled, clear favoured option arising from Public consultation with unanimous support from Committee.
• Progressing well with early issues addressing Land Assembly and implementation of the scheme.

 Status as at 30 September 2010:

• Negotiations with landowners progressing but no conclusion yet reached.
• Design work complete and necessary procedures for consents underway.
• Work planned for after Christmas so as not to cause disruption at this busy time for retailers and shoppers.