First look at vision for Lowestoft town centre redevelopment

The proposed designs for improvements in the Marina area of Lowestoft have now been revealed ahead of the submission of a planning application.

The back of the proposed Cultural Quarter area in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With Lowestoft awarded £24.9m from the government's £3.6bn Towns Fund in 2021 for five key projects in the heart of the town, one of the transformational regeneration schemes is a new Cultural Quarter.

It will see the redevelopment of East Suffolk Council’s current Customer Services Centre and the former Battery Green multi-storey car park.

The development will provide a new cultural and community hub with studio space for creative businesses together with a competitive leisure complex and restaurant.

Working closely with East Suffolk Council, Norwich-based architects Chaplin Farrant - in partnership with Hemingway Design - have developed the conceptual designs.

Residents and stakeholders locally can view the proposed designs and project timeline at an event being held at the Marina Customer Services Centre on Wednesday, October 4 between 10.30am and 7pm.

Toby Hammond, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for economic development and transport said: "This is an opportunity to view the proposed designs for this exciting project which will introduce new facilities into the town centre for the benefit of local residents.

“Due for completion by March 2026, these improvements are part of a wider programme of major regeneration under way in Lowestoft."

Mark Camidge, of Chaplin Farrant, said: “We are excited to share proposals for the area – a space which is designed to encourage fun and social interaction, promote well-being and respond to the changes that all town centres are sadly facing. It’s designed to create new spaces and places that provide long term opportunities for Lowestoft.”

For those unable to attend the event, designs will be available to view online from October 5.