93% in support of proposals
Following a successful public consultation, popular food retailer Aldi and established Suffolk Park developer Jaynic have submitted a planning application to West Suffolk Council for a multi-million-pound development at Suffolk Park.
The proposals include a fresh, modern foodstore, alongside a state-of-the-art innovation centre, and retail / commercial kiosks. This significant investment has the potential to generate nearly 400 jobs and enable further development across the Suffolk Park Enterprise Zone.
The proposed discount foodstore, is Aldi’s second in the town and will complement its existing popular store at Dettingen Way on the west side of Bury St Edmunds.
The innovation centre will provide flexible office space specifically designed to meet the needs of local businesses and start-ups, encouraging local economic growth.
Retail and commercial kiosks will provide vital services to existing businesses and residents including coffee shops, sandwich bars, and secretarial and administrative services making the Suffolk Park area an even more convenient and attractive place to live and work.
Over 4,300 households and businesses were consulted on the proposals, with an impressive 93% (845) of respondents in favour. Popular reasons for support included the need for an Aldi on the eastern side of Bury St Edmunds, to prevent shoppers having to travel across the town and relieve congestion at the Dettingen Way store. Businesses in the area spoke of the need for more high-quality space, and amenities for employees. Households and businesses welcomed the opportunity of new investment and jobs.
The proposals include ample car parking for all elements of the development; disabled facilities, toilets and access throughout; and extensive, landscaped, open community space for businesses and residents.
Aldi’s Regional Property Director said:
“Aldi would like to thank local residents and businesses for engaging in the consultation process and providing such encouraging feedback on our proposals. We know our customers are currently travelling some way to visit our Dettingen Way store, these proposals will ensure easier access to our award-winning product range and, reduce the need to travel. We are delighted to be able to partner with Jaynic to bring these exciting proposals forward, we now look forward to working with West Suffolk Council throughout the application process.”
Jaynic’s Development Director, Ben Oughton said:
We are delighted to be working on this joint venture with Aldi to give the east side of Bury St Edmunds a much-needed sustainable mixed-use scheme for both the local community and the growing number of businesses on Suffolk Park. The requirement for an innovation centre and retail and commercial kiosks alongside the store is clear and will bring more of a balance in the provision of amenities to Bury St Edmunds that is currently skewed towards the west of the town,” added Oughton.
The application has now been submitted to West Suffolk Council, which is expected to determine it over the coming months.
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