Multi-million pound plans to develop an unused site to support young people in a west Suffolk town are to be discussed.

The depot on Olding Road, Bury St Edmunds, is proposed to be put to "recreational and community use, subject to planning".

The plans come as West Suffolk Council aims to prioritise "thriving communities, especially targeted for young people".

The council is looking to also invest in the existing skate park, surrounding college and the neighbouring leisure centre.

Diane Hind, cabinet member for resources, said: “The proposal for the Olding Road site in Bury St Edmunds, with the potential interest from a trampoline and virtual reality facilities, fits in with the surrounding college, skate park and leisure facilities helping support this as a destination area for young people.

"We also know that the market is very changeable at the moment and the proposal means we can also be flexible with what will happen to the site in the future.”

Currently, the site is costing the council £300,000 a year in holding costs and security, it said.

The council added: "The proposals would not only stop this cost but carry out much needed works such as replacing the roof, removal of fuel tanks and clearing up contamination from historic uses of the site."

A sum of £1million was already agreed in a previous decision on the Western Way Development project in September 2023, but the total project cost could be up to £7m. The council, however, decided not to continue with the Western Way Project last September.

West Suffolk Council is due to discuss the plans for the Olding Road site at its meeting on Tuesday, July 16.