• To form a totally independent, pro-active and unified ‘umbrella organisation’ from all areas of interest within the community of the town centre.
• To work to ensure the future vibrancy of our town as a regional centre, utilising the wealth of expertise already present in our members.
• To ensure that Bury St Edmunds is economically prosperous, dynamic and forward-looking, whilst still preserving its attractive environment and distinctive local character.
• To form and preserve good relations with other organisations and work together as ‘working partnerships’ to the benefit of the town centre and its businesses and inhabitants.

• Work towards ensuring total occupation of all retail and food outlets
• Enhance facilities for shoppers, visitors and their families
• Monitor retail and commercial development proposals
• Instigate where necessary training in customer relations
• Replace the few businesses moving to the new Cattle Market development.
• Continually monitor the businesses in town to help ensure high quality of retail and food outlets, and encourage inward investment.
• Maintain a review on customer retail requirements and identify target markets (working with Economic Development).
• Work with market traders, residential townspeople and the business community to ensure progression and longevity.

• Help create a welcoming approach to, and a sense of arrival in the town centre
• Protect the Historic Core Zone of Bury St Edmunds and enhance the character of shopping streets, highlighting architectural and historic features
• Liaise with local council in urban development strategies, plans and proposals for the town centre
• Ensure the twice weekly Provisions & Craft market continues to thrive.
• Protect existing businesses, many of whom are independent and specialists.
• Co-ordinated themes for different areas, such as signage and colours.
• Organise theme competitions for traders.
• Encourage trader involvement in events and street fairs.
• Obtain as much use of facilities and to involve the community as much as possible.

• Ensure that all that is possible is being done within funding constraints to give the highest quality presentation to the town at all times.
• Ensure public information is readily available and well presented.
• Encourage the development of new facilities to meet the needs of increased tourism
• Ensure a high internet quality product.
• Ensure the continuance of tourism throughout the Cattle Market development.
• Ensure maximum publicity and marketing potential at all times.
• Ensure good communication with County, Regional and National tourism bodies.

Residents

• Consider the needs of residents and their continual involvement within the town centre

• Increase residential occupancy in the town centre, including living-over-the-shops (LOTS) initiative

 

Leisure & Entertainment

• Actively manage a central register of events

• Encourage a cafe society and the development of an evening economy

• Seek funding/sponsorship for new and enhanced events