Decision Details

Implemented

East Suffolk Town Development Programme

ES/2111

Yes

Committee

Cabinet

Tue 1 Oct 2024

Yes

Report of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development and Transport 

The approval of an additional revenue budget of £537k to support the delivery of the new East Suffolk town development programme over the next three years (April 2025 – March 2028)

Economic Development & Regeneration

Not Applicable

Paul Wood

Head of Economic Development & Regeneration

paul.wood@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

None

Yes

That Cabinet:

1. Approved an additional revenue budget of £537k to support the delivery of the new East Suffolk town development programme over the next three years (April 2025 – March 2028) 

Supporting the economic vitality of the district’s high streets is a stated priority within the Council’s Strategic Plan. By continuing to take a proactive and enabling approach to town centre development the Council will also deliver against Strategic Plan priorities across a number of themes and will continue to strengthen partnership working with town councils, business associations, Business Improvement Districts and other local town stakeholder groups who can help support wider ESC ambitions for the district.

 

By approving the new funding package it will support the evolution of the current town centre development programme and provide the Council with the wherewithal to enable the ambitions of all the district’s towns based on local priorities and a robust evidence base. 

The Council could decide not to fund a town development programme and associated staff resource, however this would mean that there would be no programme which specifically focuses on supporting the economic viability of East Suffolk market/ coastal towns. As this is a stated priority within the Strategic Plan it would create a reputational risk as well as leaving the district’s high streets vulnerable during an ongoing period of significant transition in the use of town centres. As stated above, taking a more passive role in town centre development would impact on the Council’s ability to deliver against Strategic Plan across a number of themes. Furthermore, this would also result in the loss of the excellent working relationships and partnerships built up over the previous town development programme to promote the vitality of our high streets. 

None

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