Work has started on two major projects in Lowestoft – breathing new life into its Town Hall and former Post Office.
Scaffolding has now gone up the Town Hall as work to bring the building back into community use begins.
Meanwhile, work has also started on transforming the former Post Office building in Lowestoft into an exciting new arts space.
East Suffolk Council has appointed Ipswich-based Barnes Construction on both projects.
Cllr Nasima Begum, Mayor of Lowestoft said: “With scaffolding going up around the Town Hall, it is an exciting time for Lowestoft as this project comes to fruition.
“I am grateful to everyone who has contributed towards this project, including members of the public for their support along the way, and all our funding partners.
“This is just the start of the work and, whilst there are still some milestones to go, I cannot wait to see the completed regeneration of this iconic building in our High Street.”
The Town Hall project will see the building renovated to include an innovative heritage exhibition, a gallery space with a changing programme of exhibitions and events, and a wedding and reception venue with catering facilities.
It will also include a co-working space for sole traders and small businesses, a café and additional community event space.
Cllr Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council and Heritage Champion, added: “This is a big step in the regeneration of Lowestoft Town Hall and its transformation into a multifunctional space for the community.
“East Suffolk Council has shown its support for the project through direct investment of £1.2million to help breathe new life into the building and welcome the public back through its doors.”
Meanwhile, work started in March on the refurbishment and redevelopment of the town’s former Post Office building, which has been vacant since 2017.
Work will be undertaken across all areas of the site, covering the Grade II-listed building and the auxiliary buildings at the rear. The total area to be redeveloped equates to more than 1,500 square metres.
The former Post Office was purchased by East Suffolk Council with the aim to give more cultural opportunities for people living and visiting the town and to help grow the town centre’s leisure and creative businesses.
Designed by Norwich-based architects Chaplin Farrant, the building will provide space for a revolving residency of international, national and regional artists, as well as exhibition spaces, work studios, a screening room and café with outdoor seating.
Jerene Irwin, Director at Chaplin Farrant, said: “Chaplin Farrant are pleased to be supporting East Suffolk Council on the redevelopment of this important historical building on the high street and look forward to working with the team to deliver the transformation the building deserves.”
The former Post Office will be managed by Messums East – arts specialists recognised for revitalising old buildings and embedding them within communities through artistic enterprise and creativity.
The building will also provide a work studio for Laurence Edwards, an internationally renowned sculptor, who was born and raised in East Suffolk.
Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director of Barnes Construction said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as the main contractor on two significant heritage buildings in Lowestoft.
“We are looking forward to working with East Suffolk Council, Chaplin Farrant and Messums to undertake the restoration and redevelopment of the former post office, which will breathe new life into such an important historical building.
“Additionally, we are thrilled to have been appointed by Lowestoft Town Council to deliver the Town Hall Project. We feel privileged to be part of Lowestoft’s future legacy and be transforming the landscape of the town.”
The former Post Office and Town Hall projects are among many regenerative projects underway in the town, with a new seafront complex being built at Jubilee Parade, improvements at Royal Plain, Royal Green, South Quay Wharf, and redevelopment of Battery Green car park and Customer Service Centre into a new cultural and community hub.