Council considers package of improvements for Stowmarket

Cabinet members are due to consider the proposals at their meeting next week, with a range of work falling under four strands designed to help:                                                                        
•    bring empty high street units back into use
•    improve the town centre environment and street scene
•    attract visitors to spend time and money in the town
•    and better connect the town 
 
The council previously agreed to plough £1.5m from nearby Gateway 14 – the council-owned business, innovation and logistics park – into regenerating the town centre by bringing empty units back into use.
 
The Stowmarket Town Centre Gateway Fund is now up and running, with applications sought from agents and landlords of empty units, as well as potential tenants, to see how funding may be best used to help new business and community ventures off the ground. 
 
Additional new proposals included in the report to go before Cabinet at their meeting next Tuesday (October 8), include a £400K grant scheme for existing retailers to improve the appearances of their shopfronts, investing a further £225K in enhanced street cleansing and public realm services for the town, and feasibility work into demand for hotel accommodation. 

The shopfronts scheme could include new signage, canopies, lighting, or reinstatement of traditional or historic features that have been lost. This would be aimed at small and medium-sized firms, with national businesses excluded.

The report also outlines the need to further improve walking and cycling, and increasing connectivity to the outskirts of Stowmarket and surrounding villages. 

Council leader Cllr Andy Mellen said:

“Stowmarket town centre has many strengths. Like most towns it has not been immune from pressures such as online shopping, the pandemic, increased costs, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, but we firmly believe it can have a bright future. 

“Supported by our partners, including Stowmarket Town Council, we are looking at proactive action to support a revitalised town centre that is fit for the future and embraces a more sustainable mixed offer of retail, culture, leisure, residential and community uses.”

Mid Suffolk’s cabinet member for thriving communities, Cllr Teresa Davis said:

“Stowmarket already has much to be proud of – the likes of the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, the Food Museum, The Mix, The Regal and terrific independent businesses.

“But we know the high street is changing and the competition for people’s time and attention is fiercer than ever, so we must ensure we give people lots of different reasons to visit the town centre and spend more time there. To create a great experience, and encourage a diverse mix of attractions in a welcoming environment.

“By working with our partners such as Stowmarket Town Council, we believe we can collectively make things even better, and if our district’s main market town thrives, so do the towns and villages around it.”

The agenda for the meeting on Tuesday 8 October, which includes the report in full, together with a link to watch a livestream and/or recording of the meeting can be found on the Mid Suffolk District Council website.