Key road junctions could be redesigned and a new focal point created for community events as part of study to breathe new life into Sudbury town centre.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sudbury bus station in Hamilton RoadSudbury bus station in Hamilton Road (Image: Archant)

Suffolk County Council (SCC) and Babergh District Council (BDC) have commissioned consultants WSP to consider a range of options to boost the town's economy and position Market Hill as the cultural heart of the community.

The study will focus on enabling the redevelopment of the Hamilton Road Quarter and possible changes to the bus station to support a stronger public transport network.

This work will include potential changes to key junctions in the town, including the key junction of Station Road/Great Eastern Road and the Waitrose car park.

It will also consider ways to support a stronger bus service network, working closely with operators and developing a sustainable transport system for the town.

East Anglian Daily Times: Michael Holt of Babergh District Council Picture: PAUL NIXONMichael Holt of Babergh District Council Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: Paul Nixon Photography 07904296577)

The foundations of the study began last autumn with the introduction of the Sudbury Vision for Prosperity action plan.

The councils see the study as crucial in shaping sustainable changes to support future investment and development of the town centre.

It will also consider the development and redesign of the town centre landscape and making the Market Hill a focal location spot for community and cultural events hosted in the town.

The outcome of the study will enable the councils to bid for funding to deliver the work early next year and will support the work of the Sudbury Vision Steering Group.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cross Street in Sudbury, where six parking spaces will be removed from next year Picture: Google MapsCross Street in Sudbury, where six parking spaces will be removed from next year Picture: Google Maps (Image: Archant)

It is proposed to present the findings of the survey to the public early next year.

Andrew Reid, SCC cabinet member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said: "This work provides the opportunity to work collaboratively on options not only to improve the Market Hill, the heart of the town centre, but also enable the development of a key area of the town.

"This will also start to look at key junctions in the town and support the County's ambitions for improved sustainable transport."

Issues of traffic flow, congestion and air quality in the town were highlighted in the Vision For Prosperity Action Plan.

East Anglian Daily Times: Andrew Reid of Suffolk County Council Picture: ASHLEY PICKERINGAndrew Reid of Suffolk County Council Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING

The study will run in conjunction with an experimental Traffic Regulation Order in place to address the air quality management issues in Cross Street, which will see the removal of parking bays in January 2020,

Michael Holt, BDC cabinet member for economic growth said: "This joint town centre study with Suffolk County Council and other local partners will help us move another step forward in the revitalisation of Sudbury's town centre and the surrounding area.

"We want to ensure the town centre remains relevant and that we work toward the best outcome for the whole town and the communities that are depend on it.

"The outcome of study will allow us to make informed decisions going forward, to shape the changes needed for growth, encourage businesses, attract new investment and improve the provision for residents and visitors."