West Suffolk Council plans to breathe new life into former Warehouse Clearance Superstore, in Anglian Lane, Bury St Edmunds, approved

Plans to spruce up a council-owned former warehouse superstore in Bury St Edmunds which has stood empty for years have been approved as a new tenant is sought.

West Suffolk Council’s development control committee last week granted a proposal to revamp the former Warehouse Clearance Superstore, in Anglian Lane, which the authority bought for £1.71 million in November 2018.

The work includes the demolition of the front porch and the side lean-to section as well as the construction of a brick plinth and replacement of wall and roofing panels.

A report said plans submitted to accompany the proposed development also involve features such as roller shutter doors, replacement of windows and guttering as well as photovoltaic panels.

In May, a council spokesperson told SuffolkNews the warehouse, along with parking and yard areas, was in poor condition and underutilised.

They said: “The council is investing in the regeneration of the building to maximise the potential of the site, upgrading energy efficiency for increased income and sustainability, bringing the building back into economic use to create local jobs, and generate an income return which will go towards the delivery of council services.

“It is currently on the market for let with a view, if market demand exists, to securing a pre-let agreement with a prospective tenant before the refurbishment works start on site.”

The site is still listed with Carter Jonas.

Asked how much the council was investing in the regeneration of the Warehouse Clearance Superstore building, the spokesperson said there was a capital budget of up to £1.2m available subject to final design, and any necessary statutory approvals such as planning and marketing of the site.