Stowmarket is the largest town within the district and the focus for future housing growth. We have commissioned reports to help it identify ways to ensure the town has adequate local facilities, a strong sense of community and employment opportunities in the future.

During September and October 2007, Mid Suffolk District Council began a major review of the town and its neighbouring villages. The area was last reviewed in 2001, when the Civic Trust unveiled its Vision for Stowmarket, a report containing recommendations that have been used as a basis for many actions since.

Following a period of consultation, we have now completed the Stowmarket Masterplan. Part of this plan includes proposals to redevelop part of Ipswich Street, this includes redeveloping the area and providing larger shops to attract a range of independent and national retailers, improving public transport links and building high quality new town houses and apartments.

For more information about the proposals contact: David Benham, Regeneration Manager at Mid Suffolk District Council on 01449 724649.

Where are we up to?

The Masterplan is now finished.You can download the full Stowmarket Masterplan and the proposals to redevelop Ipswich Street below:

Stowmarket Masterplan - full version (PDF, 14Mb)

Stowmarket Masterplan - section one (PDF, 4.9Mb)

Stowmarket Masterplan - section two (PDF, 2Mb)

Stowmarket Masterplan - section three (PDF, 3.05Mb)

Stowmarket Masterplan - section four (PDF, 5.01Mb)

Stowmarket Masterplan - summary (PDF, 4.67Mb)

Ipswich Street proposals (PDF, 724k)

What happens next?

We have just produced an Independent Retailers Strategy for the town to help support and encourage local and family run shops in Stowmarket. The Town Centre Promotions Group is putting together an Action Plan on events and initiatives to promote the development of the town centre. We have also produced a Profile of Stowmarket 2008 to compare the town against the rest of Suffolk.

Mid Suffolk District Council has submitted a bid to the Lottery for Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) funding to help improve and enhance the historic town centre and conservation area and is currently awaiting a decision.
StowmarketisontheMap.doc

For further information on retailing in Stowmarket please contact Dawn Easter, Economic Development Officer, telephone: 01449 724635, email: Dawn.Easter@MidSuffolk.gov.uk