A report is due out in September to support a new town centre masterplan for Leiston-cum-Sizewell.
The work on the regeneration began by East Suffolk Council in partnership with members of the Leiston Place Board in 2023.
The council and Leiston Community Land Trust have since commissioned IF_DO to provide a design and feasibility study for the land within the Market Square site, which is owned by East Suffolk Council. That work has been funded by Sizewell C ltd.
More than 100 people attended a public event on July 24 and the final report is due to be completed at the end of September, allowing work to begin to establish a viable option for delivery and funding for the development.
In addition to the Market Square development, East Suffolk Council has undertaken temporary repairs to buildings along Sizewell Road to improve the overall streetscape. The properties are included within the Market Square proposal to establish their future use.
Cllr Toby Hammond, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for economic development and transport, said: “The Leiston Town Centre Masterplan has provided the people of Leiston with an opportunity have a genuine, meaningful say on future development in their town.
“Their input will be valuable in taking each element of the masterplan forward towards implementation and we’re excited to see things already beginning to take shape. Thank you to everyone, including our partners, who have worked so hard and so collaboratively to get the masterplan to this stage.”
The Leiston Place Board is looking at other initiatives within the masterplan which can be brought forward.
Cllr Lesley Hill, Mayor of Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, said: “The feasibility study is an important step in developing plans for the Market Square which will mark a significant change in our town.
“It will provide a new centre where people can mix and mingle with opportunities for potential housing and small business ventures. We look forward to seeing sight of the proposals and other future developments.”
Russ Rainger, chairman of Leiston Community Land Trust, said: “The Community Land Trust proposed an Urban Plan for Leiston and are pleased to see our vision reflected in the Leiston Regeneration Masterplan.
“We are grateful to Sizewell C for the grant that has enabled the IF_DO work. This is an important step in the design and redevelopment of the town centre.
“We are eager to continue working in partnership with the place board to deliver these opportunities.”
The document can be seen here.
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