In an inspiring initiative aimed at amplifying youth voices in East Suffolk, students from Alde Valley Academy have joined the Sizewell C Youth Council to provide critical insights for the nuclear power project. Ranging from Years 7 to 11, the students will meet regularly with Sizewell C’s joint managing director, Julia Pyke, along with other project leaders, to discuss local needs, aspirations, and updates on the project’s progress. This youth council provides a unique opportunity for young people to share their perspectives on a major infrastructure project that will affect their community for years to come.

Julia Pyke, Sizewell C’s joint managing director, underscored the importance of including youth voices in the decision-making process, noting that feedback for large infrastructure projects is often skewed towards older demographics. “We’re really keen to keep talking to young people as we develop Sizewell C,” she stated, highlighting the project’s commitment to fostering a generationally inclusive approach.

The students recently had the chance to meet with the project team and experience a tour of Wild Aldhurst, Sizewell C’s designated nature reserve. This immersive visit provided the students with a close look at the project's environmental commitments alongside its infrastructural goals.

Rosie, a Year 11 student and youth council member, voiced her enthusiasm: “I think it’s really important to give young people a voice.” The engagement of these students signifies a meaningful step for Sizewell C, which is expected to bring thousands of jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities to the East Suffolk area.

Dan Mayhew, director of community and partnerships at Kingfisher Schools Trust, commended the collaboration, saying, “The collaboration between the school council and the Sizewell C senior team gives young people a unique opportunity to have their views heard and to have an input into the project.”

As Sizewell C moves forward, the insights provided by these young students will play a valuable role in shaping the project to better align with the future they envision for East Suffolk. This engagement sets a positive precedent for youth-involved planning in local infrastructure projects, making them true stakeholders in their community's development.

Greene King has officially opened its new state-of-the-art distribution centre at Suffolk Park, Bury St Edmunds, continuing its long-standing relationship with the town. The centre has been named "St Edmunds" in honor of St Edmund the Martyr, reflecting the brewer’s deep-rooted heritage in the area.

First announced in 2022, the decision to build a new facility was driven by Greene King’s continued growth and the need for a larger, more modern distribution centre. The St Edmunds Distribution Centre, located near the A14, covers 160,000 square feet, almost twice the size of its previous warehouse facility on Cullum Road. This expansion offers more than double the storage capacity, providing Greene King with room to grow and better serve its customers’ evolving demands.

The business park location was developed by Jaynic, and the new facility is a key part of Greene King’s future plans. According to the company, careful consideration is being given to the future use of the former distribution centre.

This latest development comes on the heels of Greene King’s recent submission of a planning application to West Suffolk Council for a £40 million new brewery, also in Bury St Edmunds. The project, part of the company’s ongoing investment in its hometown, aims to continue the brewer’s legacy in Bury, where it has operated since 1799.

Matt Starbuck, managing director of brewing and brands at Greene King, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that the St Edmunds Distribution Centre is now officially open and fully operational. This marks two years of hard work and dedication from our team, and we’d like to thank everyone who contributed to bringing this project to life."

“This multi-million-pound investment underscores our commitment to Bury St Edmunds, where Greene King is proud to be a major Suffolk business with deep ties to the community. The new centre will strengthen our logistics network, enabling us to meet customer needs in a rapidly changing market, and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”

With the St Edmunds Distribution Centre now up and running, Greene King is poised to support its expanding operations and future growth, while continuing to contribute to the local economy and celebrate its rich heritage.