David Ruffley MP Discusses Stowmarket Regeneration, 21 January 2011

David Ruffley MP is to hold an urgent summit with the Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council and its Chief Executive on Friday 21 January to discuss the regeneration of Stowmarket Town Centre.

The Council has long term plans to redevelop part of Ipswich Street. It wants to increase the diversity of shops, improve public transport links and building high quality new town houses and apartments. A planned compulsory purchase order for the United Reformed Church and several other adjacent properties was rejected by the Secretary of State last year.

Mid Suffolk District Council also wants to make a number of improvements to the historic properties of Stowmarket Town Centre involving structural repairs to premises and replacement of historic features of buildings within the area.

Mr Ruffley said: 'Stowmarket is an important, historic town. It is absolutely vital that we get the regeneration correct- it will make or blight the town for the next century. We have a once in a generation chance to ensure Stowmarket has top quality shopping, business, leisure and residential facilities. Its residents deserve nothing less.'