A final decision on multi-million pound plans to revolutionise the future of education, leisure and public services in west Suffolk could be made next month after councillors voted in favour of the project.
The Mildenhall Hub will bring together Mildenhall College Academy, a new leisure centre, swimming pool, an NHS health centre, a new library and other public services on to one site off Sheldrick Way.
Forest Heath District Council’s Development Control Committee gave their approval to the landmark project on Wednesday evening.
Final say on whether the scheme goes ahead will now lie with Sajid Javid, the secretary of state for communities and local government, after the project was referred to him by the council because it represents a departure from the Local Plan.
It is understood that a final decision on the hub could be made next month.
James Waters, leader of Forest Heath District Council, said the hub is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to improve services in the area.
He said: “This is a major step towards realising our ambitions for Mildenhall and the surrounding area, its people and for our future generations.
“We want to deliver better school and leisure facilities for our growing population of residents in and around Mildenhall. The facilities that we have now are not fit for purpose.
“On top of that, the public service buildings in the town need millions of pounds of investment to stay open, and even then would not be suited to modern day needs.”
“The Mildenhall Hub is the answer and is a once in a lifetime opportunity to invest in a better education for youngsters in the area, better gym facilities, better swimming facilities, which will also be more user friendly and more sustainable despite future financial challenges.”
Susan Byles, principal of Mildenhall College Academy, said: “We are delighted that the project has been approved and now await the secretary of state’s decision.
“We are committed to providing an outstanding education for our students and we think they deserve a state of the art academy building in which to learn and develop as young people who live and may one day work and raise their families in the local community. This exciting project will positively impact the academy, its pupils, and staff whilst benefiting the community of Mildenhall for years to come.”
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