Supermarket and drive-through announced for former waste site

Wendy’s is planning to open its first drive-through restaurant in Suffolk alongside supermarket Aldi opening its second store in Bury St Edmunds.

West Suffolk Council has announced the two businesses as its tenants for its redevelopment of the former household waste recycling site at Rougham Hill.

Both Aldi and Wendy’s have signed agreements to lease buildings, which, subject to a planning application and final costs, will be built on the site over the next few years.

The move will improve one of the main gateways off the A14 into the town and create jobs, while the rental income will help pay toward day-to-day public services to residents across the whole of West Suffolk.

Roland Stanley, real estate director at Aldi, said: “This is an important development in Bury St Edmunds and our new store will make it easier for residents to access high-quality, affordable groceries, while also creating valuable jobs and contributing to the area’s growth.

“Exchanging contracts marks a significant milestone and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the council and the community as we move this project forward.”

Carl Morris, the managing director of Blank Table Ltd who are the franchisee for Wendy’s for the East of England, said: “We are thrilled to announce our plans to bring Wendy’s to Suffolk as part of this exciting redevelopment in Bury St Edmunds.

“Opening our first drive-through restaurant in the region represents a significant step in our commitment to expanding Wendy’s footprint across the UK, delivering fresh, high-quality food, and creating meaningful jobs for the local community.

“This strategic location near the A14 offers a fantastic opportunity to serve the residents of West Suffolk and commuters alike, whilst contributing to the economic growth of the area.

“We’re proud to be part of this project and look forward to working closely with the council and the community as we bring Wendy’s signature experience to life.”

Diane Hind, the cabinet member for Resources at West Suffolk Council, said: “For thousands of motorists, this site is one of the first they come across each day as they travel into Bury St Edmunds off of junction 44 of the A14.

“This redevelopment is an exciting opportunity, in line with our strategic priority for Sustainable Growth, to improve the look and feel of this important gateway into the town. That’s why I am delighted to announce Aldi and Wendy’s as our chosen tenants.

“It will create employment for our local communities both through opportunities at the two businesses, and through the construction phase.

“And there’s also a benefit to residents across the whole of West Suffolk in terms of how we secure funding to pay for the future of public services.

“Our share of the council tax bill – about £200 a year for a band D household – makes up less than 20 per cent of what it costs West Suffolk Council to deliver our services.

“Much of the rest of our income comes from fees and charges and capital investments such as this.

“Under local government rules, we can’t simply use capital to plug any budget gaps as eventually it would run out. Instead, we can invest to achieve the regeneration of strategic sites, supporting the sustainable growth of our economy while also creating additional annual income to help fund public services and keep council tax as low as we possibly can.”

The announcement of the chosen tenants comes ahead of public consultation by the council which runs from today (Wednesday, March 26) through to Wednesday, April 16.

Residents can find out more about the proposed scheme and give their feedback at  https://www.ingletonwood.co.uk/rougham-hill-retail-development.php

The council will also hold a drop in event between on Wednesday, April 2, from 4pm to 8pm, at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club.

The feedback from the consultation event will be considered by the council ahead of a planning application being submitted over the coming months.