Bury St Edmunds survey 'a golden opportunity' to help shape the future of the town for residents and visitors
A new survey has been launched to help shape the future of a historic town.
The survey has been launched by Our Bury St Edmunds, Business Improvement District (BID), to find out 'what people really want' from the town centre – and how it might differ in 2021 - to before the pandemic
BID, which offers businesses support as well as marketing the town and organising events, wants to know what residents like and dislike most about Bury St Edmunds town centre, and how they think it can be best improved.
It will then use this information to offer advice to members, and work with partner organisations including the town and district to consider the way forward based on resident opinion.
Chief executive, Mark Cordell, said: “It’s a golden opportunity to help shape the future of the town.
"Now, more than ever before, it’s really important to find out why people come into the town centre.
"For example someone who, in previous years, came in five days a week for work may now be working from home for some of that time – but perhaps will want to come into town at different times for shopping or socialising
“Shoppers may want different things too. If they have been doing more online shopping during the lockdowns they now might want options for click and collect from their favourite town centre businesses.
"Some may want to be able to sit outside at pavement tables when having a coffee or a meal.
There's no doubt the pandemic has changed things for everyone and we want to be able to advise our member businesses how they can respond to the changing wishes of their existing and potential customers.
"We can also bring the findings to the attention of partner organisations where any improvements suggested are beyond our immediate remit.”
The research is being carried out on behalf of BID, by People and Places, an organisation which helps small towns with information and advice to face the challenges from bigger cities or out of town shopping.
Everyone who takes part in the survey, which contains 28 questions, will also have a chance to win one of five Our Bury St Edmunds Gift Card vouchers with a value of up to £100, which can be used in 60 different town centre businesses.
The survey asks for suggestions about what would make people stay longer in the town centre and for their views on the best and worst aspects.
It also asks for two suggestions on what would improve the town centre most.
The study can be found, here, or visit www.ourburystedmunds.com.
Anyone unable to take part online can contact the Our Bury St Edmunds office on 01284 766258 to receive a paper copy.
The survey will remain open until the end of August.
BID is funded by levy paying businesses within the town centre and works with other agencies, including local authorities and the police, to enhance existing services for the town including marketing and promotion, safety, cleanliness and maintenance.
Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Suffolk
Read more: All the latest news from Suffolk
Read more: All the latest news from Bury St Edmunds