Owner of former Delphi factory in Sudbury reveals £40 million plans to redevelop site

The owner of a derelict factory, which was engulfed by a fire last week, has spoken of his £40 million rejuvenation plans for the site.

Mohammed Asjad, director of Future Properties Holding Ltd, said he is working with Babergh District Council to bring the 23-acre disused Delphi engineering site, in Newton Road, Sudbury, back into use as soon as possible.

He said the premises, which have stood empty since Delphi Diesel Systems closed the factory in 2020, were bought to rent out for industrial use but due to the scale of the building that had not been possible.

Instead, Mr Asjad is looking at proposals for an alternative mixed use scheme, which would include small light industrial units, food/retail such as a Lidl or Aldi at the front of the site, residential homes, retirement living, small retail units such as a Costa drive-thru, a community hub and bowling green.

He said they had shown the council plans for a mixed use scheme and had recently had another meeting with the authority to try to move the proposals forward.

“We’ve been working with the council for the last 18 months to bring this site back into use and regenerate that whole area,” said Mr Asjad.

He said he hopes to be able to submit a planning application in the next three to six months and redevelop the site within the next three years.

Mr Asjad, whose firm is based in London / Lancashire, said they were looking to spend about £40 million on the site.

In the last two or three years he said there had been constant break-ins at the factory, with property stolen on numerous occasions, but there was security.

Last Tuesday, a blaze ripped through the site and a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and bailed.

On hearing about the fire, Mr Asjad said: “I was really upset as you can imagine. I’m glad no-one has been hurt.

“We’ve been bringing this (to the attention) of the council, police and fire service.

“Whatever they’ve asked us to do, we’ve done.”

A Babergh District Council spokesperson said: “We continue to share the community’s concern and frustration about the former Delphi site, and the recent fire reinforces the need for its future to be resolved as soon as possible. This is an important employment site for Sudbury.

"We have recently met the owner to discuss the next steps he needs to take to progress discussions for the site, including appointment of a marketing agent to attract new commercial uses."