Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet, Mid Suffolk Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: August 5, 2025

Purpose: To review outcomes and consider approval of above threshold expenditure from funds.

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1          That Cabinet reviewed and noted the summary of Round 1 proposals coming forward, outputs and evaluation outcomes.   1.2          That Cabinet approved an upper funding limit of £615,000 towards the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts for the programme phases supported by the town stakeholder panel and district project office, as shown in Appendix A (Confidential) of the report.   1.3          That Cabinet approved an upper funding limit of £125,000 towards the Community and Youth Darts project supported by the town stakeholder panel and district project office, as shown in Appendix B (Confidential).   1.4          That Cabinet approved the funding packages at 1.2 and 1.3, and delegated authority to the Director of Place to finalise the terms and conditions of grant funding agreement with the beneficiary, and subject to any suitable controls, monitoring and legal advice to ensure key objectives and purposes of the grant scheme are secured.     REASON FOR DECISION   To maximise the opportunities available to the Council to directly invest in Stowmarket high street and town centre area, utilising Gateway 14 dividend, to address unit vacancy rates, to stimulate investment and new activity / additionality at key high street and town centre locations.   To develop and promote a range of potential business, cultural and heritage, tourism, accommodation and other end-uses - which help to address economic and social challenges within the town and as complimentary to other plans underway and in pipeline development for Stowmarket.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:   Do Nothing. Not recommended. The Council’s £1.5m high street and town centre fund (STCGF) investment package for Stowmarket’s high street and town centre required transparent reporting of outcomes to date. Any high impact/above threshold expenditure items needed to be formally considered and approved, if appropriate, by Cabinet as a key strategic decision.   Any Declarations of Interests Declared: Councillor Stringer declared an interest as Director for the John Peel Centre. Any Dispensation Granted: None.