Powering a greener future: New EV chargers bring renewable energy to West Suffolk towns

07 Feb 2025

The installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in The Guineas Shopping Centre car park in Newmarket and Parkway car park in Bury St Edmunds have now been completed.

The new chargers are part of West Suffolk Council's ongoing commitment to promote sustainable transportation and support thriving communities by offering convenient, accessible charging options for EV drivers.

The EV charging points are now available for the public to use and provides essential infrastructure as more drivers make the switch to environmentally friendly electric vehicles. The chargers were installed with financial support from the Government Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles.

Each location was selected to serve as a high-impact addition to the council’s EV infrastructure, strategically positioned to support residents and visitors. Both car parks are conveniently located near the town’s shopping centres and are fitted with contactless payment options to ensure drivers have access to seamless charging while they shop.

The addition of these EV chargers foster environmental resilience by promoting sustainable energy use and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Energy supplied to the chargers and our building estate is from West Suffolk Council’s own solar farm at Toggam. With each charge, EV drivers help decrease the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere compared to driving internal combustion engine vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. 

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Governance, Regulatory and Environment at West Suffolk Council, said: “As a council we are striving to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.  With the installation of these EV chargers, we’re making it easier for residents, commuters, and visitors to choose sustainable transportation to our West Suffolk towns. By promoting active travel such as walking and cycling plus facilitating this shift to electric vehicles with convenient charging points, we hope to enhance air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support environmental resilience across the district.”

Drivers in Newmarket can locate the four dedicated EV charging bays in The Guineas Shopping Centre car park, located near the entrance. Two chargers have replaced those removed earlier in the year from the multi-storey car park.

The Parkway car park in Bury St Edmunds also has four dedicated parking bays with EV chargers, located on the surface car park behind Cineworld.

For more information on the new EV chargers or to learn about West Suffolk Council’s other sustainability initiatives, please visit: Electric vehicles 

To find a EV charging point in West Suffolk, visit: Zapmap - Map of electric charging points for electric cars

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