Developer Pigeon has acquired the former Network Rail Goods Yard at Station Hill in Bury St Edmunds, opening the way for a larger residential-led regeneration scheme alongside its neighbouring Burlingham Mill site.
The brownfield site has been acquired from Platform4, Network Rail’s property development company, after being released from railway use.
Historically used as railway sidings and more recently as an aggregates depot, the land sits immediately next to Bury St Edmunds railway station and close to the town centre.
Pigeon will now consider the Goods Yard and Burlingham Mill as a combined regeneration opportunity, with early technical work planned before proposals are developed with West Suffolk Council and the local community.
BROWNFIELD OPPORTUNITY
The Goods Yard forms part of the wider Station Hill area, which has been identified for residential-led mixed-use regeneration within the West Suffolk Local Plan 2031.
Pigeon’s adjoining Burlingham Mill site already has planning approval for the conversion of the former mill into 42 homes alongside changes to the existing Station Hill access.
Combining the sites could allow a more comprehensive redevelopment of the area around the railway station.
William Stanton, Joint Chairman of Pigeon, says: “The acquisition of the former Goods Yard is an exciting opportunity for Bury St Edmunds. Following the land being released for new homes, as a local company proud of our town’s history, Pigeon is particularly excited by the prospect of working alongside local partners to deliver on joint ambitions for the Station Hill site.
“Station Hill has changed considerably in recent years, and we believe there is a real opportunity to build on that progress. By considering the Goods Yard alongside Burlingham Mill, we can take a more joined-up approach and explore how the combined site can make a positive and lasting contribution to this part of the town.”
RAILWAY LAND RELEASED
Andrew Ferguson, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Platform4, says: “This acquisition is exactly what Platform4 was set up to do. Unlock the potential of underused railway land and put it to work for local communities. We are proud to be working with partners like Pigeon, who share our vision for high-quality regeneration.
“By bringing this site forward alongside Pigeon’s adjoining land, we’re enabling a scheme in one of the most sustainable locations in Bury St Edmunds, right next to the railway station, that responds directly to the ambitions of both the local community and West Suffolk Council.”
