A Suffolk town's masterplan is on course to have its final report completed in September after more than 100 people attended an engagement event to view the plans.

East Suffolk Council is working in partnership with members of the Leiston Place Board to develop the town centre masterplan, which provides a blueprint for future development.

On July 24, residents were able to have their say on the proposals at an engagement event at Leiston Community Centre in Sizewell Road.

READ MORE: Leiston 20mph zone among ideas in masterplan for the town

The masterplan sets out 12 principles for development within the town, which includes enabling Leiston to fully realise the opportunities provided by the new Sizewell C nuclear power station, such as employment, training and footfall.

Other principles were to strengthen the relationship between Leiston and its wider surroundings, including improving access to the countryside and coast and bringing nature into the town.

The masterplan also seeks to reinforce and embrace the strong sense of community and the working town character of Leiston.

READ MORE: Engagement will be taking place for Market Square in Leiston

The town's Market Square is one of the areas targeted for development, with the aim to provide a vibrant and distinctive additional street and space which complements rather than competes with the High Street.

Councillor Toby Hammond, the council's cabinet member for economic development and transport, said: “The Leiston Town Centre Masterplan has provided the people of Leiston with an opportunity to have a genuine, meaningful say on future development in their town.

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“Their input will be valuable in taking each element of the masterplan forward towards implementation and we’re excited to see things already beginning to take shape.

"Thank you to everyone, including our partners, who have worked so hard and so collaboratively to get the masterplan to this stage.” 

The masterplan focuses on improvements to nine key sites in the town centre, including the Waterloo Centre in Waterloo Avenue, the doctors surgery, the Historic Quarter, the High Street, Church Square, the Co-Op, Market Square, 16a-22b Sizewell Road and Leiston Community Centre.

READ MORE: Suffolk news