Lowestoft post office restoration project wins RIBA award

The London Road North conservation works to bring the building back to its former glory have been given a craftsmanship award by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Conservation repairs were completed through the Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone project, funded by Historic England and the Towns Fund.

Started in January 2022 and completed in April 2023, the external fabric of the Grade II listed building was restored as well as repairs to 49 timber windows, replacing roof tiles and relocating the entrance to the centre of the building.

The post office has been restored over the last year (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Tony Calladine, east of England regional director at Historic England, said: “This award is fantastic news and is a testament to the dedicated partnership and superb craft skills that have combined to restore and rejuvenate the Post Office building. 

“The transformation of this loved local landmark has been a major project in the Heritage Action Zone and it’s wonderful to see it come to life as a community resource which will secure its future for years to come.”

The space will now be developed into a visual arts space with both permanent and temporary studios for artists, exhibition spaces and a screening room.

The project has won a RIBA award (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Plans for the proposed conversion have been submitted to the council and show a series of artist studios and the proposed extension to provide a lift and improve accessibility to the building, as well as a café and courtyard.

Rebecca Styles, Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone project manager at East Suffolk Council, said: “We're thrilled to receive this recognition for the conservation repairs to the former Post Office.

“We hope the finished building will be a landmark and venue that the people of Lowestoft can be proud of for generations to come.”