Thetford submits landmark 10-year regeneration plan to Government
Thetford has become one of the first towns in the country to submit its 10-year Pride in Place Regeneration Plan to central government, marking a major milestone in the town's long-term renewal.
At the latest meeting of the Thetford Neighbourhood Board, Chairman Jo Pearson confirmed that the town's 10-year Regeneration Plan has now been formally submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration as part of the national Pride in Place programme. Government approval is expected early in 2026.
Thetford is one of only four towns out of 75 to have submitted its plan at this early stage, placing the town at the forefront of the Government's long-term investment initiative.
The Regeneration Plan sets out a clear vision and investment roadmap for the next decade, built around priorities identified by local people. These include projects that will:
- regenerate the town centre and riverside
- improve education and skills
- strengthen heritage, culture and identity
- invest in residential estates
- improve accessibility and transport
- and support community organisations
The plan is underpinned by one of the most extensive engagement exercises seen in the town in recent years, with over 1,000 survey responses and thousands more residents reached through events, social media, local press and community activities over the summer.
Jo Pearson, Chair of the Thetford Neighbourhood Board, said:
"Submitting this plan is a huge moment for Thetford. We asked local people what mattered most to them, and they responded in their thousands. This 10-year Regeneration Plan is the result of that effort and, crucially, it belongs to the town.
"I want to thank every member of the Board, our support team, and everyone who has taken the time to share their views. Because of that work, Thetford is now one of the first towns in the country to get its plan into Central Government - one of the first out of 75 at the point of submission. That sends a clear message: Thetford is organised, ambitious and ready to deliver.
"Submission is not the finish line, it's the starting gun. Our focus now is on turning this plan into visible change on the ground, from our town centre and riverside, to our estates, our skills offer and our community spaces - so that local people can see and feel the difference over the coming months and years."
"The Thetford Neighbourhood Board, made up of local residents, businesses, councillors and community representatives, will now work with Breckland Council as the accountable body and with Government to secure Pride in Place investment and begin the next phase of project development and delivery.
"I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with our County, District and Town Councils, with our MP, Terry Jermy, and with organisations and communities across our town in delivering ...forThetford."
The Regeneration Plan is now available to view on the programme's website - Regeneration Plan
