What a few weeks it has been for Haverhill. Only last month, I was writing about the scale of investment – and confidence – that was being poured into our town.
We had the £1.5 million expansion of Haverhill Leisure Centre and a six-figure investment in Haverhill LifeLink, our unique social prescribing project that is already benefitting so many.
Then there was the news that the extension to the Menta Business Centre in Hollands Road had been given the go-ahead.
This last boost was especially interesting as it was only made possible thanks to £502,000 in funding secured by the borough council through a Section 106 agreement with Asda when the supermarket built a filling station on land in Bury St Edmunds.
One month on and I am delighted to comment on even more good news for the town.
Picking up last week’s Haverhill Echo, there were two further boosts to our high street – something that remains a priority for everyone connected to ONE Haverhill Partnership and beyond.
ONE Haverhill Partnership was given responsibility for getting the public consultation for the Town Centre Masterplan over the line, so it was hugely positive news that West Suffolk Council has purchased the former HSBC building.
This opens up a number of possibilities for the building, and the area, and it is another big step to fulfilling Haverhill’s rich potential.
Though not linked, this came hot on the heels of West Suffolk Council’s opening bid for Haverhill to receive a grant from the Government’s new Future High Street Fund.
There will be fierce competition for grants from towns across the country, but it was incredible that Haverhill was chosen by West Suffolk Council over other towns in the area.
ONE Haverhill was delighted to lend its support, and submissions, to this exciting bid.
In other news, Suffolk County Council have pledged £200,000 to upgrade the pavements in the High Street and work has started.
In our many meetings about improving Haverhill’s economy, improving pavements and restricting vehicular access have been a constant theme and a real hindrance to people visiting and enjoying our town.
We welcome this news as we continue to work hard, with partners, to make Haverhill – and the High Street – an attractive place for all.