New Royal Plain fountains part of Lowestoft Seafront Vision

A series of works to improve Royal Plain, Royal Green and South Quay in Lowestoft could see "a popular attraction reinstated," provided plans get the go-ahead.

A scheme has been lodged that would see the popular fountains outside East Point Pavilion replaced as part of a wider seafront vision.

Plans centring around the "public realm spaces" of Royal Plain, Royal Terrace, Royal Green and the adjacent seafront esplanade, plus the South Quay areas of Lowestoft have been submitted to East Suffolk Council.

The fountains prior to be stopped in Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest archives (Image: Archant)

An application featuring "New fountain installation in existing location at Royal Plain - including hard and soft landscape improvements with plantation and boulder features, raised planters with trees, and lighting improvements" is currently "awaiting decision" with the council.

The plans have been lodged by Untitled Practice, as part of the Hemingway Design team, on behalf of East Suffolk Council.

Artist’s impression, view along Esplanade across Royal Green towards East Point Pavilion, showing informal edge following wall removal, with coastal planting, seating, outdoor gym, and playable features. Picture: Untitled Practice (Image: Untitled Practice)

It also includes "new access routes and soft landscape improvements" at Royal Green, including "trees with bespoke seating and outdoor gyms, plus East Point Pavilion courtyard improvements, and new play area, also cycle hub to existing car park."

It would also see "hard and soft landscape improvements as a pocket park" at South Quay.

Artist’s impression, view along South Quay towards Lake Lothing, showing new raised planters with seating from which to enjoy sheltered views across the Inner Harbour, also new lighting. Picture: Untitled Practice (Image: Untitled Practice)

With final designs unveiled in July, a design and access statement - submitted by Untitled Practice - states: "The site in its present condition represents significant opportunity for improvement."

It adds: "Royal Plain fountains not functioning and in need of renewal to attract footfall.

"Refurbishment of the existing installation is not feasible, therefore a replacement installation is proposed."

The work - the first phase of the London Street, Lowestoft High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) and Seafront Masterplan - is due for completion by May 2024.

The Lowestoft Seafront Vision project is one of five regeneration projects that received £24.9m from the government’s Towns Fund last year.