Leaders 'delighted' at Delphi site demolition in Sudbury
Local leaders say they are "delighted" to see demolition works begin at a former town factory site, but recognise that it is an "emotional moment".
Work began to rip down the former Delphi site in Sudbury on Friday, with demolition 'in progress' signs spotted on the main gate.
A spokesman for Babergh District Council also confirmed the local authority is currently in talks with the owner of the site, Mohammed Asjad, who is the director of Future Properties Holding Ltd.
The spokesman added that Hitec Demolition, based in Bury, Lancashire, is believed to be behind the works.
On the demolition, councillor Adrian Stohr said: "I am delighted to see the start of the Delphi site demolition take place.
"It's a shame it's come to this, but it opens the gates for widening the business infrastructure for Sudbury.
"Let's hope we receive some great news soon from the owner, who I am sure wants Sudbury to benefit from it."
Delphi Diesel Systems closed in mid-2020 with hundreds of job losses, when the American-owned conglomerate behind the site decided to move the manufacturing operation to Romania.
The site has been empty since.
James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, said of the latest updates: “I understand that the demolition of the Delphi building in Sudbury will be an emotional moment for many, given the history of the site and its social and economic importance to the town over the years.
"My priority has always been focused on the future of the site, which is exactly why I convened the South Suffolk Taskforce in July 2017 to explore how it could remain as a factory and retain the local skilled workforce.
"We had serious interest in the site, including from a UK start-up intending to use the factory to manufacture electric sports cars.
"Unfortunately, this offer was rejected by Delphi who instead accepted an offer from a property company in July 2019.
"My sense is that this is likely to lead to a more mixed-use site than assumed hitherto. "
"As it is, we now need to see this step crystalising the kind of progress with the site so it can start to emerge from its current sorry state of dilapidation.”
Sudbury town councillor Nigel Bennet added: "I am happy demolition has begun following the fire and anti-social behaviour problems associated with the empty site.
"I believe people want to see new jobs created on the site, which will support and improve the local economy.
"I am sure Babergh Environmental Health and Building Control will check that the management plan and conditions for demolition are being followed."
In September last year, the site appeared up for sale on Rightmove.
The listing stated the industrial/warehouse units would be of 750 to 300,000 sq ft and are available on a pre-let/sale basis.
Published by the East Anglian Daily Times.
