Haverhill Town Centre Revitalisation
What's it all about?
Haverhill Town Council is working with West Suffolk Council to promote and deliver two key initiatives as part of a wider regeneration project:
- Public realm lighting
- Town centre wayfinding
West Suffolk Council have appointed Studio Dekka, an independent lighting consultancy, to help improve the lighting in the town centre to make Haverhill a safer place to live and visit.
A third initiative will look at renewing the street furniture in the town centre. This initiative will be part of the Haverhill High Street Enhancement Scheme, launched in October 2024, which aims to revitalise the town centre by improving pedestrian access, managing vehicle access and boosting safety and economic activity.
Tell me more about the projects
Celebrating Haverhill’s Heritage – Join Us!
West Suffolk Council and Haverhill Town Council are working together on an exciting project to celebrate Haverhill’s unique identity, history and culture through storytelling, art and design. The project will bring local voices, artists, and community groups together to create something truly special for the town.
What’s the project about?
Our goal is to capture the stories and spirit of Haverhill and turn them into creative works like chapbooks (small pamphlets traditionally used to capture short stories), public art, and wayfinding signage. These will reflect the themes and narratives that matter most to the people that live here.
How are we doing it?
We are taking a collaborative approach, working step-by-step with the community:
The first session will run on Thursday 04 December 2025, 11am-2pm at Haverhill Arts Centre.
This will be a friendly, hands-on session led by artist Steve Pardue where local artists and residents can share their memories and stories about the town, its characters and the local landscape, helping to shape the project’s direction.
Artist Steve Pardue specialises in using chapbooks to capture short stories and creative ideas using pen, watercolour and handwritten notes to create a layered narrative of the town.
A follow up session in January 2026 will follow and it is hoped the creative outputs will form the basis of a local exhibition.
From these stories, we’ll develop visual themes for wayfinding and signage that celebrates Haverhill’s heritage and helps connect the town.
Get Involved!
We would like you to be part of this journey. Whether you are an artist, local history enthusiast or simply passionate about Haverhill, your ideas and experiences matter.
We are looking for 12-15 local people to take part in a short series of creative sessions that will help shape the project.
Spaces are free, but limited. If you are interested, please register via email: events@haverhill-tc.gov.uk
Can’t make a session, but would still like to take part?
Don’t worry - there will be more opportunities to get involved including online feedback.
Celebrating Haverhill’s Heritage – Join Us!
West Suffolk Council and Haverhill Town Council are working together on an exciting project to improve public realm lighting and make our town centre safer, more welcoming and more vibrant after dark.
This initiative will bring local voices, lighting experts and community groups together to shape a lighting strategy that reflects the needs and ambitions of Haverhill.
What’s the project about?
We want to create streets that feel safe and inviting after dark, while also enhancing the town’s character and encourage evening activity and community pride. Good lighting isn’t just practical, it transforms how we experience streets and public spaces when night falls.
Why a Night Walk?
To get it right, we need your perspective. Studio Dekka is an independent lighting consultancy that use night walks to understand how space feel after dark and gather real feedback. These walks help understand user perceptions and identify barriers and help to create better public realm lighting designs.
How are we doing it?
We are taking a collaborative approach, working step-by-step with the community.
Join us for a night walk on Wednesday 03 December 2025 led by Studio Dekka.
· 6.00pm – 6.05pm Introduction – Studio Dekka
· 6.05pm – 7.00pm Night tour of town centre (Walking)
· 7.00pm – 7.15pm Finish/Debrief
Together, we’ll explore the town centre after dark, share experiences and discuss; when it comes to lighting, what works and what doesn’t? Your feedback will help shape future designs.
Get Involved!
We would like you to be part of this journey. Whether you are an artist, local history enthusiast or simply passionate about Haverhill, your ideas and experiences matter.
We are looking for 12-15 local people to take part in the user group tour and share their experience of the town centre after dark.
Spaces are free, but limited. If you are interested, please register via email: events@haverhill-tc.gov.uk
Can’t make a session, but would still like to take part?
Don’t worry - there will be more opportunities to get involved including online feedback.
How can I get involved?
📣 Open Invitation – Haverhill Community Workshop
🗓 Thursday 22 January
⏰ 1.30pm
📍 Haverhill Arts Centre
Join artist Steve Pardue to talk about Haverhill – what makes it special and the stories and history that have shaped the town.
West Suffolk Council and Haverhill Town Council want to hear from the community and welcome as many diverse voices as possible.
This is the first of two workshops helping shape wayfinding signage for Haverhill Town Centre.
Workshop 1: Haverhill’s history – 22 January
Workshop 2: Create ‘chapbooks’ – date TBC
To register your interest in attending, please email events@haverhill-tc.gov.uk