Library extension and play facilities boosted by £600k fund

16/07/24

A £538,000 contribution to a library refurbishment is one of the projects to benefit from monies collected from developers in Mid Suffolk

Cabinet members at Mid Suffolk District Council met on Monday, 15 July and approved more than £600,000 of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) bids.

CIL payments are a legal requirement paid by developers of residential sites across the districts, and earmarked for projects which help local infrastructure keep pace with developments.

Bids made for CIL funding are regularly reviewed by the Councils, and two in Mid Suffolk have been successful in the latest round.

Stowmarket Library will receive £538,000 for an extension and refurbishment, while Debenham Recreation Ground receives £74,000 for new play facilities.

Cllr Andrew Stringer, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure at Mid Suffolk District Council, said:

“We welcome the opportunity to support these types of projects whose aims are to benefit our local communities.

We are sure the Mid Suffolk projects in Stowmarket and Debenham will make a positive difference to people living there and we look forward to seeing how they progress.”

This is the thirteenth round of CIL funding which has been available through the councils since May 2018 and to date, has allocated £11m to Infrastructure projects across Mid Suffolk.

Full details of the awards:

Stowmarket Library Extension and Refurbishment project - £538,662.24

Funding for this project will enable the creation of a side extension and alterations of the interior building which includes the four meeting rooms, a back office working space, new toilet facilities, foyer space and new entrance.

Cllr Ollie Walters, ward member for St Peters, said:

"As ward member for St Peters, I am delighted to see Stowmarket Library benefitting from CIL investment.

We are lucky to still have a library, when so many other towns have had theirs cut, so extending our service is great news for the community and another good reason for residents to come into the town centre"

Debenham Recreation Ground Project - £74,000

This project entails the replacement of play facilities that no longer meet the needs of the communities. Included within the new facilities will be the installation of inclusive, accessible play equipment and outdoor fitness gym.

Cllr Teresa Davis, ward member for Debenham, said:

“It is great news for Debenham Parish Council after all their hard work. Both schools in the village played a part in advising the council and I think the new area is going to be well-used and brings a variety to all ages.”