Mid Suffolk District Council is expected to spend £250,000 to design and plan a sports and wellbeing hub in Stowmarket.
Officer recommendations to approve funding to produce a planning application for Stowmarket’s health, education and leisure hub will be brought to the council’s cabinet next Monday.
The site would include two bits of land in the northwest of Stowmarket – surrounding Stowmarket High School and Chilton Fields.
Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public health and public protection, said: “I’m pleased to see proposals developing for the improved sport, health and leisure facilities for Stowmarket.
“These will provide more opportunities for residents to be active and promise to benefit local schools and sports clubs.”
The hub would include a sports pavilion, two multi-use games areas, four indoor sports courts, a wellbeing site, a 3G football pitch, a mini athletics track and a children’s play area.
The draft masterplan for the site was presented to councillors in June 2022, when funding was agreed to develop a design and start public consultation.
The masterplan was then showcased to residents, students, community groups and sports clubs during the summer and autumn.
Feedback included over 200 written comments; 79 percent of all respondents and 70 percent of Stowmarket resident respondents were supportive of the proposals.
Cllr Harry Richardson, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for economic growth, commented: “The proposals for the new facilities for Stowmarket are very complex as we work to meet the needs of our partners and take on board the feedback from residents and local communities.
“I am delighted that so much progress has been made and that the project is ready to move to the next stage.”
Work towards a full business case will be started if the cabinet gives its approval next week. This will include a final draft cost plan, a proposed management model and a detailed funding strategy.
A further consultation would also be carried out as part of a planning application.
Cllr Andrew Mellen, Green and Liberal Democrat group leader at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “This exciting project has potential to make a real difference to Stowmarket and the villages around it. It will definitely have a positive impact on health and wellbeing.
“However, we need to see the detailed funding plans for the project as these are not yet clear. We look forward to examining them when they are presented to the council.”
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