A multimillion-pound project to regenerate a Norfolk town's bus station and riverside area was signalled yesterday as part of a package of infrastructure improve-ments.

A multimillion-pound project to regenerate a Norfolk town's bus station and riverside area was signalled yesterday as part of a package of infrastructure improve-ments.

Just weeks after a public meeting in which residents accused the leaders of Breckland Council of neglecting Thetford, the new-look Moving Thetford Forward partnership ear-marked a £2.6m investment for the town.

The money, which is part of a £6m pot of government funds to be spent in the next three years, comes as the town prepares for 6,000 new homes by 2021 as part of its growth-point initiative.

Members of the Moving Thetford Forward board hailed their first raft of priority projects yesterday, which will result in “on the ground” changes to the town centre.

The projects, which will be managed by Breckland Council, include the set-aside of £1.4m for the redevelopment of the bus station and the river frontage, delivery of green infrastructure projects, an audit of historic buildings in Thetford, a new growth-point website, and various infrastructure studies.

William Nunn, Breckland Council leader and chairman of the partnership, said the investment would build on the town's “great community spirit and wonderful natural environment”.

“These projects will make a significant difference to the future of the town and the whole surrounding area. The Moving Thetford Forward partnership is dedicated to making Thetford a better place for everyone and we will be consulting residents on the proposals to make them a reality.

“Improvements taking shape will regenerate the river frontage, and the bus station, will ensure new green spaces, protect our heritage and environment and the quality of life of local people and communities,” he said.

Moving Thetford Forward has also expanded its membership after criticism over its lack of local representation, with representatives from the Thetford Business Forum, Keystone Development Trust, Flagship Housing Association, NHS, and the Forestry Commission joining the board.