Mid Suffolk District Council leaders agree £740,000 Stowmarket investment into new darts hub and John Peel Centre expansion

Leaders are hoping to attract people to a town centre with a £740,000 investment in a new darts venue and arts centre expansion.

Cabinet members in Mid Suffolk have unanimously backed plans for a new darts venue at the former Stannards in Tavern Street, Stowmarket, with £125,000 in match-funding.

The new venue will offer an inclusive hub with a meeting place, coaching and training in what is sport growing in popularity.

The money is part of the council's £1.5 million fund set up last year to support the town's high street, made possible through money from the Gateway 14 business park.

Councillors decided to use a further £615,000 of the fund to restore and expand the John Peel Centre, in Church Walk.

The money will allow for an expansion of the centre's capacity from 240 to 300, provide a new café and music bar on the ground floor and create a lift access to a restored first-floor ballroom.

Access to the arts centre will be made possible from the high street and market square.

Cllr Richard Winch, who brought the proposals forward, said the whole point was to bring people to the town and create economic and social value.

He said a further round of investment in the future could be possible if the council felt it was needed.

Together, both projects are estimated to bring over £33 million in value.