East Suffolk Council
More time to have say on masterplan for Leiston town centre
Consultation on a masterplan and supporting framework for the centre of Leiston has been extended in response to the encouraging level of feedback so far received.
The Leiston Town Centre Masterplan Framework Document had been due for publication at the end of December 2022. However, due to the volume of feedback received to date, a further public consultation period will be launched in January to allow as many people as possible to contribute.
A number of workshops and discussions have already taken place with the public and key stakeholders, forming a key part of the project.
The design team, having worked closely alongside East Suffolk Council’s Economic Regeneration team, wants to ensure that there is sufficient time for ongoing consultation work and consideration of the forthcoming draft proposals due to be prepared by the end of this month.
Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk Council’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development, said:
“Good progress has been made on the Leiston Town Centre Masterplan so far, with the community and key stakeholders involved from the start to help to inform the early design development.
“We’re allowing more time to ensure that all the feedback so far received can be incorporated into the final document, which will provide a clear, high-level plan and direction to create a sustainable, economically viable and prosperous town centre as a place to live, work or visit.”
The updated timeframe for delivery of the project will include further public online consultation to consider the draft masterplan and supporting framework, starting in early January 2023, with publication of the final Masterplan Framework Document set for the end of March.
The development of the work is being led by East Suffolk Council, working in partnership with Leiston Town Council, Leiston Community Land Trust, Leiston Together and Suffolk County Council.
The masterplan and supporting framework will include improvements to public spaces and better connectivity between key locations, as well as enhanced cycling and walking routes, while also being used to identify redevelopment opportunities over the next 10 to 15 years and to help attract investment.
LDA Design, commissioned by East Suffolk Council to deliver the masterplan, brings extensive knowledge and experience to the project, and recently completed a Traffic Management Strategy for Leiston, which will also inform the work.
A key part of the delivery of the masterplan is the continued engagement with local organisations, community groups, businesses, landowners, and property developers.
Peter Corrie, Project Director at LDA Design, said:
“We have been really encouraged by the level of engagement that has been shown to date from the public and other key stakeholders and are pleased that the programme has been extended to ensure that this valuable information is reflected in the draft proposals and that further opportunity is provided to engage on these.”
If you would like further information about the town centre Masterplan Vision, email leistontowncentre@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.
Keep an eye out here for updates on the project and how you can get involved with further feedback.