Major plans for a new £15.1 million advanced manufacturing and engineering centre have taken a step forward.
Progress on the delivery of the centre had stalled due to issues with funding and external pressures such as inflation, Brexit, and international conflicts.
Members of West Suffolk’s cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss and ultimately unanimously support a £450,000 investment, half of which was covered by the county council, to progress the project to its fourth stage, ahead of planning and construction.
Major plans for a new £15.1 million Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre at Suffolk Business Park, in Bury St Edmunds, have taken a step forward. Picture: Jason Noble
Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, who is responsible for growth in West Suffolk, said the project would have a big impact across the district and support new and growing companies as well as provide opportunities for careers.
He added: “Subject to the appropriate decision-making processes, both councils are working in partnership to make sure robust financial plans are in place to make this scheme a reality and support sustainable growth, jobs and the economy.”
“It is clear that manufacturing is a growth area in West Suffolk and this new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre will further support that growth.”
Cllr Indy Wijenayaka
The decision follows the council’s purchase of 6.8 acres of land at Suffolk Business Park, next to junction 45 of the A14 in Bury St Edmunds, last year in order to develop an 80,000 sq ft AME Centre — a further decision is expected in the Autumn.
The business case for the project was originally approved by full council in December 2021 at a price tag of £12.1 million paid through the Investing in Growth Fund but, due to pressures, the budget was revised to £15.1 million.
The decision also saw some crossparty support with Conservative councillor Susan Glossop, who helped get the project off the ground as then cabinet member for growth, commending the decision.
She said: “It’s very important for our growth and economic development in West Suffolk — it’s important that we look after this sector.”
According to 2022 data, this is a key growth area for West Suffolk as 9.2 per cent of employees work in manufacturing in the district compared to 7.5 per cent nationally.
Bury St Edmunds Politics Suffolk Homepage Joao Santos, Local Democracy Reporter
