Pigeon and Platform4 unlock regeneration opportunity in Bury St Edmunds

Pigeon has acquired the former Network Rail Goods Yard at Station Hill, Bury St Edmunds from Platform4, Network Rail’s dedicated property development company, bringing together a brownfield regeneration opportunity alongside its adjoining Burlingham Mill site.

The acquisition enables Pigeon to consider the two sites together and explore the potential for a high-quality, residential-led scheme in a highly sustainable location, immediately adjacent to Bury St Edmunds railway station and close to the centre of town.

The former Network Rail Goods Yard comprises land that was historically used as railway sidings and, more recently, as an aggregates depot. The site is no longer needed for railway operations, and the land has been released for regeneration.

The site forms part of the wider Station Hill area, which has been identified for residential-led mixed-use regeneration within the West Suffolk Local Plan 2031 and sits within a part of Bury St Edmunds that has already undergone considerable change in recent years.

Pigeon’s adjoining Burlingham Mill site has an existing planning approval for the conversion of the former mill to provide 42 homes and alterations to the existing access onto Station Hill.

The location benefits from immediate access to Bury St Edmunds railway station and is within easy walking distance of the town centre, making it particularly well placed for the sustainable regeneration of previously developed land.

Pigeon will now undertake early technical work across the combined site ahead of engaging with West Suffolk Council and the local community.

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William Stanton, joint chairman of Pigeon, said: “The acquisition of the former Goods Yard is an exciting opportunity for Bury St Edmunds. Following the land being released for new homes, as a local company proud of our town’s history, Pigeon is particularly excited by the prospect of working alongside local partners to deliver on joint ambitions for the Station Hill site.

“Station Hill has changed considerably in recent years, and we believe there is a real opportunity to build on that progress. By considering the Goods Yard alongside Burlingham Mill, we can take a more joined-up approach and explore how the combined site can make a positive and lasting contribution to this part of the town.

“We want to hear directly about how people feel the site should come forward, the types of uses it might enable, and what they see as the perfect gateway to our town.”

Andrew Ferguson, interim chief executive of Platform4, said: “This acquisition is exactly what Platform4 was set up to do. Unlock the potential of underused railway land and put it to work for local communities.

“We are proud to be working with partners like Pigeon, who share our vision for high-quality regeneration.

“By bringing this site forward alongside Pigeon’s adjoining land, we’re enabling a scheme in one of the most sustainable locations in Bury St Edmunds, right next to the railway station, that responds directly to the ambitions of both the local community and West Suffolk Council.”