Revitalizing Stowmarket Through Sports Infrastructure

Mid Suffolk District Council is poised to approve £125,000 in funding to transform the vacant Stannards Store on Tavern Street into a state-of-the-art community darts facility. This initiative forms part of the broader £1.5m Stowmarket Town Centre Gateway Fund designed to repurpose underutilized commercial spaces.

Project Highlights:

• Dual-Level Facility Design: Proposed plans include modern dart lanes and spectator seating
• Youth Development Focus: Dedicated areas for coaching and junior leagues
• Complementary Town Investments: Parallel £615k allocation for John Peel Centre upgrades

Councilor Richard Winch emphasized: "This isn't just about darts - it's about creating sustainable community anchors that drive footfall and economic activity. The proposed center would become Suffolk's first dedicated public darts venue."

Strategic Funding Allocation

Economic Impact Projections:

• 15+ permanent jobs created
• 30% increase in weekend town center foot traffic
• Partnership opportunities with PDC Challenge Tour

Community Engagement & Next Steps

• Public consultation sessions scheduled for August 2024
• Potential collaboration with Suffolk Darts Association
• Proposed integration with regional school sports programs

This development aligns with England's 2023 Community Sports Initiative framework, prioritizing accessible urban sports facilities. Final approval rests with the Council's September 12th vote, with construction potentially beginning Q1 2025 if endorsed.