Have your say! Help shape West Suffolk Council’s first Culture and Heritage Strategy

29 May 2025

West Suffolk Council is inviting residents, arts and heritage organisations, and stakeholders to help shape a new, long-term vision for arts, culture, and heritage across the district.

The council is working with Chris Blandford Associates (CBA) to develop a comprehensive Culture and Heritage Strategy, setting out the council’s direction and ambitions for the next five years.

To help shape this important work, we are launching an online public survey from 29 May 2025 until the 27 June 2025. To take part visit: Culture and Heritage consultation.

The district boasts a rich and diverse cultural landscape—from regionally recognised venues like The Apex and the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, to nationally significant museums such as the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket and the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village. West Suffolk is also home to a wide range of cinemas, theatres, historic buildings, local museums, and vibrant arts and community organisations.

We are encouraging residents, local organisations, and anyone with an interest in culture and heritage to respond to the online survey. The survey will help us understand how people engage with local cultural services, what they value most, and how access can be improved.

The feedback will directly inform the development of the strategy and help the council and partners create a district where culture and heritage continue to thrive for everyone.

Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, said:
“The purpose of this survey is to build on our assets and established partnerships to create our first comprehensive Culture and Heritage Strategy that will set out our direction and ambitions over the next five years.

“Culture and heritage play a vital role in making our district a great place to live, work, and visit. These assets are key drivers for sustainable growth, investment, wellbeing, and thriving communities. Through establishing a culture and heritage strategy, we can celebrate the unique character of our built and natural environment.”

Thomas Agar of CBA said "We’re really pleased to be working with West Suffolk Council on this important piece of work.

“Culture and heritage matter—they bring people together, help us understand our places and each other, and make life more enjoyable. They also drive sustainable growth, providing jobs and skills, and generate significant economic impact.

“West Suffolk has a fascinating mix of stories, buildings, landscapes and creative activity that make it unlike anywhere else. We’d love to hear what culture and heritage mean to you, so please take a few minutes to fill in the survey and have your say."

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