The future of a derelict factory in a Suffolk town has been discussed at a meeting between a local MP and the council as a marketing campaign for new tenants is set to launch.
James Cartlidge, who represents the South Suffolk constituency, called for an urgent meeting to find a way forward for the empty Delphi engineering site in Newton Road, Sudbury, after it was devastated by a blaze in late May.
The building has been derelict since 2020 following the closure of Delphi Diesel Systems, causing hundreds of job losses — it was bought by Future Properties Industrial Ltd that same year.
In a Facebook video outside the council’s offices on Friday, Mr Cartlidge said he had taken residents’ ideas for the site to the council, highlighting the most engaged-with comment in an earlier post suggesting it as an entertainment venue.
He said: “I’ve reported to [Babergh District Council] that the most popular view is that we should have some form of mixed-use site, particularly with leisure facilities — I mentioned about the historic dance floor.
“Obviously, it’s a major industrial site, it’s going to take quite a bit of work, but hopefully by engaging in this way and feeding back what my constituents want, we can find a way to finally regenerate that important site in Sudbury.”
Following the meeting, a spokesperson for the council stressed the importance of bringing the site back into use and revealed the owner was about to instigate a six-month marketing campaign to generate interest from potential new commercial tenants for the site, either as a whole or in part.
The spokesperson added: “We are acutely aware of the significance of this site to the community and, like everyone, want to see its future resolved as soon as possible.
“We have worked hard to progress discussions with the owner, meeting regularly, and are advising him about potential solutions and the next steps he needs to take. We have also emphasised how important it is he continues to engage with the community.
“This is an important employment site and while the council does not own it, we remain focused on working with all parties to ensure it once again plays a major role in the economy of Sudbury.
“In the meantime, we look forward to ongoing support from our MP in our efforts to make this happen.”
Mr Carlidge’s Facebook post also generated a lot of other suggestions, however, with ideas ranging from a hospital, to a hotel or cinema.
One commenter wrote: “It needs to be kept for industrial use. Maybe allow it to be redeveloped as smaller units but still industrial.
“Sudbury needs more jobs and I don’t think there’s demand for more retail or entertainment space.”
Babergh’s deputy political leader Cllr John Ward said this had been ‘the most realistic’ option.
Published by Suffolk News.
