Mayor of Sudbury Alison Owen launches action group to help influence the future of derelict Delphi factory

The mayor of Sudbury has founded an action group to help influence the future of the derelict Delphi factory.

Cllr Alison Owen founded the group at an extraordinary meeting of Sudbury Town Council last week.

The group includes councillors Ellen Murphy, Nigel Bennett, Adrian Stohr, Adrian Osborne and Peter Beer.

The move comes as talks continue over the future of the derelict Delphi factory between Babergh District Council and the owner, Mohammed Asjad.

The town council group resolved to discuss future options for the site and make recommendations to the full council, while working closely with the district council.

The Delphi site recently suffered a major fire and has seen repeated incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Owen said: “Due to public interest concerns for the future of the site, I feel as mayor of Sudbury I needed to set up an action group of councillors from Sudbury Town Council to work together and look at the possibilities to revamp the area.

“This will help to encourage visitors to the town, highlight the need to see our community making use of the derelict site, encourage job prospects and services to the town.

“The selection committee who I wish to work with the developers and district and planning committees are an even selection of members who were democratically selected by the people of Sudbury.

“As mayor, I will ensure the committee has one agenda and that is to make Sudbury a continued wonderful place we all know and love, so let’s get behind this committee.”

Babergh District Council announced last month it was now holding regular meetings with the owner of the 23-acre disused Delphi engineering site.

Mohammed Asjad announced in June that he has £40 million rejuvenation plans for the site.

These include proposals for an alternative mixed-use scheme, such as small light industrial units for food and retail, residential homes, retirement living, small retail units such as a drive-through and a community hub and bowling green.

Cllr Deborah Saw said: “The council is acutely aware of the significance of the site to the community and we want to see its future resolved as soon as possible.

“I emphasised to them [the owner and agent] how important it was to engage with the community and the project manager will be doing just that in the weeks to come.

“The council will also continue to ensure the town council is kept informed of developments.”