£1,693,000 Haverhill High Street enhancements agreed by West Suffolk Cabinet

22 Jul 2026

Plans to invest £1.693 million in transforming Haverhill town centre have been approved by West Suffolk Cabinet, paving the way for improvements designed to increase visitors, support local businesses and create a more vibrant high street.

The proposals include refurbishing the former HSBC building, creating a more welcoming Market Square and delivering further public space improvements that will make the town centre easier to navigate, more attractive to visit and a better place to spend time.

The plans have been developed by a dedicated steering group, consisting of representatives from all three tiers of local government, who have been advised by a team of consultants specialising in transport, highways and public space design to help support the work.

Feedback gathered during the development of the project has helped shape the proposals, influencing plans for new lighting, improved signage celebrating Haverhill's heritage, and better wayfinding to help people navigate the town centre. 

Yesterday (21 July 2026), West Suffolk Cabinet approved the recommendation to refurbish the former HSBC building and enhance Market Square, plus one additional area to deliver improvements in the town centre that make the best use of public funding and have maximum impact for residents, businesses and visitors.

The council has looked at options for the former HSBC building in the short to medium term, given its prominence in the high street and the local community’s desire to see evident enhancement. The Market Square has been identified as a priority scheme as it would improve the functionality of the square as well as provide the biggest impact visually. The other locations investigated for the additional public space upgrades are the Arts Centre, Camps Road, Market Hill (St Mary’s Church) and Queen Street.

West Suffolk Council previously agreed £693,000 for improvements to Haverhill town centre and earlier this year committed an additional £1 million, taking the total investment to £1.693 million. 

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “The Haverhill High Street scheme, alongside the investment into the former HSBC building, represents an exciting opportunity to help unlock the town’s full potential. 

“The proposals have been shaped through engagement with local stakeholders and the community, with a focus on creating a more welcoming, attractive and connected town centre. Through delivering the proposed enhancements, it is expected there will be an increase in footfall and time spent in the town centre, helping to support local businesses and attract further investment. We also hope creating more vibrant public and cultural spaces will improve perceptions of safety, strengthen civic pride and support the evening economy for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Following the decision, detailed design work and final costings will now be produced, which will determine the additional public space to be improved and ensure the delivery of the works.

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