Stowmarket and Sudbury projects to benefit from funding

Communities in Mid Suffolk and Babergh are to benefit from the major investment after the latest round of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) bids were approved. 

Among the projects which are set to benefit is work to extend the collection store and construction of toilets which would be disabled-complaint at Stowmarket Food Museum. 

Extending the collection store would provide a more user-friendly space, while the new toilets would provide a much-needed facility, accommodating all disabilities and parent and child facilities. 

Councillor Ollie Walters, ward member for St Peters, said: "I am delighted to see the development of the Collection store, providing a more accessible, user-friendly space for staff, volunteers and researchers to work within. 

Councillor Ollie Walters (Image: Submitted)

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"The conservation of the historic objects currently being stored within the Collection store is not adequate, and the overall wider project for the Collection Store will ensure that it is fit for purpose for the 21st century."

Meanwhile more than £57,000 has been put towards providing disabled access, a proposed café, toilets and changing places facility at Belle Vue Park in Sudbury. 

Councillor Laura Smith, ward member for Sudbury South West, said: "I am pleased to back the bid for funding of the public toilets. With a 60-year durability these facilities will potentially be used by members of the community now and for several generations."

Projects also due to receive funding are an extension of the pavilion at Copdock and Old Ipswichian Cricket Club, provision of a car park in Little Finborough and an energy upgrade at Boxted and Hartest Institute Village Hall. 

Councillor Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure at Babergh District Council, said: “This has been a fantastic round of CIL funding for our local communities. 

"Babergh really needs these projects and I am thrilled to see us allocating funds to allow these projects to take place.  

"I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”