Council moves to deliver café and toilets project as part of wider park improvements

Babergh District Council’s cabinet will discuss a range of improvements to the park, including new play equipment, when it meets on Tuesday, 10 March.

At the heart of the plans is the delivery of a new café and replacing the aging and vandal-prone toilets with fully accessible facilities.

Planning permission was agreed for these in 2024, but the project has been delayed due to several challenges, including the need for more extensive groundwork alongside rising construction costs.

The project has been included in Babergh’s capital programme for 2026/27 – and the cabinet will decide whether to approve a new upper funding allowance to ensure it is delivered.

Cllr John Ward, Babergh leader and cabinet member for finance, assets and investments, said: “Belle Vue Park is important for the people of Sudbury – we want it to be a great place to visit, which supports wellbeing and community pride, and are committed to making improvements.

“We share the frustration that the café and toilets project has faced delays for reasons out of our control. Our financial pressures mean we must get the best possible value for taxpayers – but we have some funding in place already, and if this additional funding is agreed, we can finally deliver this.”

Cllr Laura Smith, cabinet member for thriving communities, added: “The café would not only be a brilliant new addition to enhance people’s experience of the park, but the existing toilet block would also be replaced with new fully accessible Changing Places facilities.”

Essential work to the park’s retaining wall in Cornard Road took place last year in preparation for the project. 

The cabinet report also says the council is exploring lifting the current ban on dogs and is collaborating with partners, including police, to address anti-social behaviour in the area.

A new toddler/junior play area, adjacent to the sand play area, will be installed in the park this year, the report notes.

Meanwhile, a new climber to replace the wooden unit removed last year is also planned, along with an accessible path, new picnic benches and seating – though these are all subject to a forthcoming bid for Community Infrastructure Levy funding.

Consultation on the new climber options is taking place in the park on Wednesday 11 March between 2.30-4pm, with the public invited to give their views.

Belle Vue Park is already used by ActivLives for a Grow Your Own Wellbeing programme, and the report says a wider programme of wellbeing and healthy lifestyle activities is being looked at.

Cllr Smith said: “We have been clear for many years we want to enhance Belle Vue Park. This package of improvements, alongside working with our partners to address anti-social behaviour in and around the park, could make a really positive difference.”
 

Pictured: A CGI of what the new cafe and toilets in Belle Vue Park could look like