Park cafe and toilets plans delayed and over budget

A project to install a new cafe and toilet block in a town's park have been delayed and will cost more than originally budgeted for.

Babergh District Council is behind the plans for Belle Vue Park in Sudbury, Suffolk.

The council said rising construction costs, work on a nearby wall and a need for "more extensive groundworks" meant "significantly higher costs".

Senior councillors will meet on Tuesday, 10 March to discuss increasing the budget for the project.

The project was first approved by the council in 2023, with planning permission granted in 2024.

It had originally been hoped the new facilities would be in place by 2024.

The council has not disclosed what the original budget was or how much additional funding would be needed.

Alongside the cafe and new toilets, a new toddler play area is due to be installed, with a new climbing frame a possibility if funding from housing developers is signed off.

The council said it would consider lifting the current ban on dogs, and it would also look at ways to address anti-social behaviour in the area.

John Ward, Independent council leader, said the park was "important for the people of Sudbury".

"We want it to be a great place to visit, which supports wellbeing and community pride, and are committed to making improvements," he said.

"We share the frustration that the cafe and toilets project has faced delays for reasons out of our control.

"Our financial pressures mean we must get the best possible value for taxpayers, but we have some funding in place already, and if this additional funding is agreed, we can finally deliver this."

Conservative group leader at the council, Michael Holt, said: "I am pleased it is now going ahead, but disappointed it's taken so long.

"It will be a benefit for residents when the project is finally finished, let's hope it can now be delivered without any more delays."

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