Plans to re-develop Ipswich Street in Stowmarket, to attract bigger retailers and provide more housing to the area, were revealed last week at a meeting with local traders and shop owners of the town.

The proposals, which form part of the Stowmarket Masterplan, include knocking down existing shops to provide high quality large and independent shops, restaurants and cafes. Plans also include improving public transport links and building high quality new town houses and apartments.

David Beham, Economic Regeneration Manager at Mid Suffolk District Council said; “Stowmarket is the largest town within the district and we need to ensure that the local people don’t have to travel 10 miles to shop - we want to encourage them to buy locally. These proposals will encourage larger retailers into the area and this will offer a mixture of high quality larger retailers and the local independent shops for residents.”

The start date for work to begin is 2011. Now that officers from Mid Suffolk District Council have met with shop owners in the area, the council will draw up Compulsory Purchase Orders for the site and start work to identify a Developer for the project. Once work begins, it is anticipated to take 18 months.

A public meeting is taking place on Thursday 31 July at 6pm at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more about the proposals. Officers from Mid Suffolk District Council will be on hand to answer questions.

For more details on the Stowmarket Masterplan visit: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk

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Media contact:

Vicky Smy, Senior communications Officer, telephone: 01449 724850, email: vicky.smy@midsuffolk.gov.uk