A lido using waste water from the new Sizewell C nuclear power station is among proposals contained in a blueprint for the transformation of a neighbouring Suffolk town.
The Leiston masterplan, which is currently undergoing a public consultation, calls for the advantages of the town’s location near to the new station to be explored, including "possible synergies/shared facilities e.g. using waste heat from the plant for a lido at Sizewell".
The masterplan also outlines the benefits of the "incredible strategic footpath network" linking Leiston with the coast, which will be "‘further enhanced" by Sizewell C, while the power project will also provide "increased footfall and demand on facilities", along with employment opportunities.
Anyone wishing to comment has until next Wednesday (January 18) to respond to the online consultation.
Other potential improvements could include a one-way system creating a new street layout in the High Street to provide a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for shoppers, as well as the pedestrianisation of the northern section of the High Street to provide a public space in the town centre.
A new community and health hub is also planned for the Waterloo Centre, in Waterloo Avenue, which could also become home to the town’s GP surgery if it relocates from its current site in Main Street.
Meanwhile, the vacated surgery site could become an engineering college as part of a ‘heritage quarter’ focusing on the Long Shop Museum and Post Office Square.
The Market Square "will become a vibrant and distinctive additional street and space in the town centre with a mix of uses, including commercial, start-ups, a work hub and housing".
The former Crown Inn, on the corner of Sizewell Road and Crown Street, could be converted into apartments on the first floor and start-ups or a pub, restaurant or café on the ground floor.
The town’s community centre in Sizewell Road could also move to the Waterloo Centre.
Councillor John Last, chair of Leiston Town Council, said the council would be meeting early next week to discuss the proposals and would respond more fully then, but added: “It is a very interesting proposal that has been put forward.”
To give your views on the masterplan, visit https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/OU4UPX/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here