A new initiative to support Leiston town centre has been launched, as part of the Destination Leiston programme.
Backed by a £300,000 investment from East Suffolk Council, the new funding will enable the
Destination Leiston programme to deliver a range of projects to support the development of a vibrant, welcoming town centre that attracts residents and visitors, increases footfall and spending, and supports local organisations and businesses.
Over the next two years, activity will focus on four key areas:
- Improved communication, marketing and promotion of Leiston (delivered through the programme’s public-facing ‘Love Leiston’ brand)
- A coordinated programme of events and activities celebrating local culture and heritage
- Town centre enhancements, including wayfinding, accessibility improvements and beautification projects
- Support for the culture, heritage and visitor economy sectors.
A grant scheme is also available to help deliver events and activities in Leiston town centre. The scheme is designed to increase footfall, encourage community participation, support local businesses, and create inclusive opportunities for residents and visitors.
Cllr Caroline Topping, East Suffolk cabinet member with responsibility for Economic Development and Regeneration, said:
“Destination Leiston is about investing in the future of Leiston town centre and ensuring Leiston remains a vibrant place to live, work and visit. By combining improvements to the town centre with practical support for local businesses, we are creating a coordinated programme that responds to what residents and businesses have told us they want to see.
“A series of projects and events are currently in development, and we look forward to working with residents, businesses and community organisations as the plans progress.”
The Destination Leiston programme will also recruit a new Marketing and Events Coordinator, hosted by Leiston Town Council, to help bring together promotion, events and engagement activities and support the development of a stronger identity for the town.
Public-facing marketing and communications activity will be delivered under the ‘Love Leiston’ brand, including a website and social media channels, providing a recognisable platform for residents, visitors and businesses to engage with local news, events and opportunities.
The programme, which will run until March 2028, has been developed in response to community feedback and priorities identified through the Leiston Town Centre Masterplan Framework, Place Board discussions and ongoing research.
Find out more about the project and apply here
Further support for Leiston businesses
Alongside Destination Leiston, a package of business support measures is being developed by East Suffolk Council and partners.
Earlier this year, more than 35 local businesses highlighted their concerns to the Council during a roundtable event. Challenges such as declining footfall, disruption from major infrastructure works and access to supply chain opportunities were among the most urgent.
In response, a range of support is being rolled out soon, including:
- Dedicated business support advisers working directly with Leiston businesses
- A new Sizewell C Business Support Service, offering advice on business opportunities, impacts and challenges
- Access to a High Streets Support Programme, providing retail skills, marketing and customer service support
- New grant opportunities to improve business adaptability.
Free drop-in sessions are also being organised, with the next taking place on Friday 13 November at The White Horse in Leiston, from 8.15am. The sessions are free, and the upcoming event will offer attendees expert advice on social media, PR and local visibility, and an introduction to the High Street Matters programme.
For further information on the event or any business-related enquiries, please contact sizewelleconomicprogramme@eastsuffolk.gov.uk in the first instance, who will connect you with the most appropriate route of support.
Destination Leiston is a long-term regeneration initiative that emerged from the Leiston Together partnership in 2019, which brought civic and business groups together to explore the future of the town.