To update Cabinet on progress with the Thetford Town Centre activity programme, and seek approval to progress the name change of “Butten Island” in Thetford to “Maharajah Ranjit & Duleep Singh Park”.

RESOLVED that:

1)    the recent progress in supporting the ongoing regeneration and growth in Thetford Town centre under the Council’s Thriving Places programme, and future plans to support the Town be noted.

2)     the renaming of Butten Island in Thetford to “Maharajah Ranjit & Duleep Singh Park on Butten Island” in recognition of the important cultural and historical connections to Thetford be approved

The Council’s “Thriving Places” agenda prioritises innovations at a local level which help enhance local areas, increase public and visitor engagement, and increases investment in local areas. It is believed this change, whilst modest in scale, could have significant positive impacts in regard to all these elements.

The renaming of the island will enhance the Punjab history and culture and the significance to the town of Thetford, encouraging visitors. It will also provide a further national-level point of interest to highlight the strength and diversity of Thetford’s culture, and significance within historic and modern UK.

1)    Note the report, and progress the proposed renaming of Butten Island (Recommended)

2)    Note the report, and do nothing, keeping the current name of Butten Island