A national sports retailer will soon open its first store in a coastal town centre.
New signage has been installed ahead of the arrival of JD Sports in Lowestoft.
Signage has been installed for the new JD Sports store in Lowestoft town centre. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
The prominent former Chadds/Palmers department store in Lowestoft town centre - which has been empty for more than four years - now looks set for a new lease of life.
The former Palmers store in Lowestoft town centre is set for a new lease of life. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
Locals are being encouraged to "Watch this space" with the "New store coming soon".
The signs and new JD Sports billboards have been unveiled at the former department store after plans for alterations to the existing shopfront and rear elevation were approved in October last year.
Signage has been installed for the new JD Sports store in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
As work gathers pace, jobs are on offer at the new store - according to the "Come Work With Us" signs - with people being urged to scan a QR Code.
It comes as JD Sports progress plans for the town centre building that is steeped in history - having stood proudly at 66 to 76 London Road North since 1907.
Signage has been installed for the new JD Sports store in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
The substantial former department store that previously served generations has remained empty in this prime town centre site since March 2020.
Now more than four years on, and with work continuing at the site, a major refurbishment project is ongoing.
Signage has been installed for the new JD Sports store in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
It is another positive boost for the town centre after recent figures showed Lowestoft's retail unit vacancy rate was the highest in the district - with more than a quarter of shops empty, significantly higher than elsewhere in the region.
In May, plans centring around the installation of three AC condensers were submitted to East Suffolk Council.
Signage has been installed for the new JD Sports store in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)
It said: "JD Sports are looking to take on the lease of the unit (at 66-76 London Road North, Lowestoft) for a fixed length period."
Fresh 'Illuminated Advertisement Consent' plans were lodged by agent Rak Patel, and the Innovate Signs company, on behalf of JD Sports & Fashion PLC, for the building's fascia panels, with illuminated lettering and the JD logo featuring as well as an illuminated projecting sign.
New billboards have now been unveiled at the front of the building, with the "New Store Coming Soon."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here