Stowmarket Masterplan Development Briefs
Stowmarket, Suffolk
GSA has produced a set of detailed development briefs for Mid Suffolk District Council. These documents guide the future development proposals for three strategic development sites in the historic market town of Stowmarket.
We analysed the sites in their wider context and identified a series of urban design opportunities and constraints, other influences on the potential uses, and the form of development and public realm. We identified appropriate uses for each site and examined a number of options for the mix of uses and building form. These were reviewed and refined in consultation with the Council and key stakeholders such as landowners and local user groups.
Some of the issues and opportunities rising from this process are listed below:
- Identifying sustainable uses to contribute to the regeneration of each area
- Realising the potential for lively mixed-use development
- Improvement of linkages including the provision of a Public Transport Interchange and better pedestrian connections to the town centre
- Consideration of development next to a flood plain
- Retaining and enhancing the setting for Listed buildings
- Environmental improvements for the River Gipping waterfront, for compatible residential, commercial, recreation and leisure pursuits
- Strategic locations for Education, Sports and Recreation
- Relationships to neighbouring villages