Planning application for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre in Bury St Edmunds to be submitted

01 Apr 2025

A vital project aimed at supporting a key growth area in West Suffolk and beyond by delivering an Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) Centre is taking a step forward.

LSI Architects, on behalf of West Suffolk Council, are due to submit the planning application for the AME Centre, based at the Suffolk Business Park in Bury St Edmunds, this week.

This is a significant step forward in bolstering Suffolk’s reputation as a national leader in advanced manufacturing as the centre aims to stimulate economic growth by creating high-skilled jobs and supporting the development of new businesses and technology.  

According to 2022 data, this is a key growth area for West Suffolk as 9.2 per cent of employees work in manufacturing in the district compared to 7.5 per cent nationally. The median wage in this sector is 11% higher than the national median wage. In addition, businesses have indicated the need for such a centre and facilities.

The project will be delivered in two phases, this planning application is for the first phase of the centre, which includes:

• 17 self-contained but linked, flexible workshop units (from 1,000 to 1,800 square feet)
• a hub building with, meeting rooms, offices, facilities and administration management, and a café 
• car parking, landscaping, HGV access
• opportunity for business support and networking events for the wider AME community.

Phase two will only be built once the centre has been up and running and has a demonstrated need for additional units and will be the subject of a separate business case. There is sufficient space on the site to increase the number of units and for the car parking provision to be increased in line with this expansion.  

By building the AME Centre there will be provision of incubation space that is currently not available in the area, offering opportunities for startups or existing companies to grow. 

It is also hoped that the centre will provide employment opportunities, offering aspirational careers and increasing the skill set of local people.

West Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council are working together to deliver the centre which will benefit businesses across Suffolk. The project is being supported through funding from locally retained business rates derived from the Enterprise Zone at Suffolk Business Park.  Earlier this year the Suffolk Business Board also agreed to contribute a capital grant of up to £2 million and £166,000 annually over 15 years from Enterprise Zone funding.

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth for West Suffolk Council, said: “Manufacturing is a growth area in West Suffolk and this new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Centre will further support that evolution. This will not only bring new skills, expert support and opportunities for West Suffolk businesses but others beyond the district. 

“Submitting the planning application is a positive step towards making this scheme a reality and supporting sustainable growth, jobs and the economy.”

Cllr Richard Smith, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Skills at Suffolk County Council, said: “The Suffolk Business Board has identified the AME sector as a crucial driver of economic growth within its Local Growth Plan, which is why both Suffolk County Council and the Business Board are proud to have supported this initiative with a financial contribution. I’m pleased to see this important development taking shape. It has the potential to significantly enhance productivity, create high-skilled job opportunities for residents, and strengthen Suffolk’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

LSI Architects said: “As designers, it is extremely rewarding to work with clients who embrace an opportunity to challenge us to offer a bold and distinctive solution. We also look forward to experiencing the thoughtfully landscaped areas that Sheils Flynn have designed, where the strong connection to nature and the quality of external space will have an extremely positive impact on the building and its tenants.

“The site sits in a prominent location on the Suffolk Business Park and with its proximity to the A14, calls-out for a flagship facility that the AME Centre will provide. 

“Working on the design and delivery of this pioneering project with West Suffolk Council and a fantastic team of technical advisors and consultants has been a wonderful opportunity.”
 

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