Bury branch of Suffolk Archives to move to Western Way development

The collection at the archives dates back over 900 years and includes things like birth and marriage records.

Artists' impression of the Western Way development
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 22nd Feb 2023

West Suffolk's collection of historical documents is on the move and will now be housed at the new Western Way development in Bury St Edmunds.

The collection at the archives dates back over 900 years and includes things like birth and marriage records.

Councillors have approved plans for it to move from its current venue on Raingate Street to the brand new Western Way, which will also include new leisure and health facilities.

The Raingate Street venue currently requires expensive renovations.

The current location of the archives on Raingate Street

Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member Bobby Bennett said: "The Western Way development presents an exciting opportunity to invest in the archives service in the West of the county, protecting it for future generations."

"Located in the heart of the community, its modern facilities for education and research will make our resources and collections accessible to even more visitors.

"The purpose-built strongroom will allow us to safely house the archives’ existing collections, spanning more than 900 years of Suffolk’s rich history, with additional accrual space for the next 30 years and beyond.

"We look forward to working with our colleagues at West Suffolk Council as the new development takes shape, and to welcoming our visitors to the new branch in 2025."

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