East Suffolk Council
Fresh look for Market Hill as part of economic rejuvenation scheme
Visitors to the centre of Wickham Market are benefitting from new signage, seating and litter bins, among other improvements funded by an East Suffolk Council programme.
The commercial heart of the village received a revamp as part of the East Suffolk Towns Initiative – designed to help local communities stay economically vibrant and achieve long term sustainability.
Key areas of focus identified by Wickham Market Parish Council included updated signage, new planters, seating and bins on The Hill.
Ward councillor for Wickham Market, Sally Noble (pictured with Parish Councillor Pauline Huggins and Parish Clerk Al Besly), who worked in partnership with the Parish Council on developing improvements, said:
“Realistic and achievable changes like these can provide a noticeable lift to our surroundings while benefitting the local business community in a positive and meaningful way.
“They are locally targeted, practical enhancements; specific to Wickham Market but for the advantage of everyone who comes to visit.”
The East Suffolk Towns Initiative was established to help encourage increased footfall, serve local community need, establish local distinctiveness, and understand potential areas for growth.
The initiative was launched following research commissioned by East Suffolk Council’s Economic Development Team to help understand issues faced in town centres and identify strategic priorities.
Funding has been allocated to a variety of projects related to place marketing, town signage, business coordination, wayfinding, and digital marketing assets, to support the district’s 11 key towns, plus the one large village of Wickham Market.
Each project has been delivered based on an individual action plan and to align with East Suffolk Council’s economic development priorities.
Cllr Toby Hammond, East Suffolk’s Cabinet member for Economic Development and Transport, said:
“As part of the work across East Suffolk, we have seen some amazing examples of support and funding making a meaningful impact, including in Wickham Market, where the Parish Council has been pro-active in identifying improvements to enhance the experience of local people and visitors.”
Ivor French, Chair of Wickham Market Parish Council, said:
“These improvements dovetail perfectly with the support from East Suffolk Towns Initiative for equipment and promotion to make our community markets more sustainable.
“Our summer market on Saturday 10 August fills the whole area with more than 30 traders and will benefit from the revamp on the Hill, showcasing the heart of our village to both local people and visitors.”