Belle Vue Park in the historic heart of Sudbury is an important and much-loved asset for generations of Sudbury’s citizens and visitors to the town.
Babergh District Council has owned the park site since 1974, including the locally listed Victorian-era Belle Vue House and formal gardens.
Significant works, investment and public and stakeholder engagement have been undertaken over the past few years. We can now develop a deliverable and viable plan that will deliver much needed improvements to the park.
Recent progress includes:
- Work to renovate Belle Vue House in Sudbury has moved a step closer as Babergh District Council confirms sale to local period property specialists McCabe & Abel.
- Publication of a 5-year phased improvement plan from 2022
- Designing a brand new fully accessible entrance and integrated public realm, which received planning consent in August 2022 (Planning Application Reference DC/22/00985)
- Designing a brand-new café facility with outdoor seating overlooking an improved under-5’s play area
- Plans for a brand-new toilet block including fully accessible Changing Place facility integrated with the new café, and separately accessible
- Proposing a new crossing point to the park across Cornard Road. This is still under development including with County Council Highways
- Security improvements including new town-wide CCTV system, including coverage within the park
- Gaining external funding to support the improvements and with a view to further funding applications as opportunities arise
- Agreeing, following an open-marketing period, a freehold disposal for part of the mixed-use site as a retirement living complex and Belle Vue House restoration for two family homes. 100% of this capital receipt would be re-invested into delivering park improvements. Planning permission was refused in September 2022 for this scheme (Planning Application Reference DC/21/06519), so alternative options will now be explored.
Next Steps
- Bringing the derelict infilled former outdoor pool site back into productive economic use
- Improving access to the park including Ingrams Well Road entry point and pathway
- Delivering the phased improvement programme published in January 2022. Safeguarding the long-term future for the park and increased use and visits
- Supporting an improved local groups and events programme for the park. This will increase its connectivity with wider town events and celebrations – including Sudbury in Bloom, carnivals, festivals, food, wellbeing, cultural and music events
- Exploring further funding opportunities