Former Lowestoft Post Office to become arts and cultural hub
The building is going to be a centrepiece in plans to improve the town centre
Lowestoft's historic Post Office building is to be given a new lease of life as an arts and cultural hub under new plans.
The disused building on London Road North was bought by the former Waveney Council in 2018, with plans approved in 2021 for it to become a mix of offices and homes.
However East Suffolk Council says it now plans to revelop the building as a 'visual arts space', including a workshop for Suffolk born sculptor Laurence Edwards.
Laurence will work with fine art and gallery designers Messums on the redevelopment of the space, which will be known as 'Messums East'.
It will include working spaces for artists, as well as galleries for exhibitions, a screening room and a cafe/restaurant.
Laurance will also be creating a brand new broze sculpture for Lowestoft, casting it in East Suffolk.
The project will be part of Lowestoft's Heritage Action Zone, which is a regeneration scheme led by East Suffolk Council and Historic England.
East Suffolk Building Preservation Trust, Lowestoft Town Council and Lowestoft Vision are also involved.
Councillor Craig Rivett, who is in charge of economic development at East Suffolk Council, said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Lowestoft and has the potential to bring real benefits to the local economy and the community as well as the region more widely.
“As detailed within the Lowestoft Town Centre Masterplan and Town Investment Plan, culture and leisure are seen as key to regeneration of the town and similar creative projects elsewhere in the country have had a hugely positive effect on the local area, attracting large numbers of visitors and increasing footfall.
“Creating this cultural hub in the heart of the town centre with an internationally significant artist will bring in visitors who would not normally choose Lowestoft as a destination and will also attract further investment from other cultural and leisure providers, as well as providing essential community and educational opportunities.”
Tony Calladine, from Historic England in the East of England said: “We’re delighted to support the restoration of the Post Office and to see work start to bring this historic Grade II listed building back to life as a creative visual arts space."
"It’s an exciting new phase to the London Road Lowestoft High Street Heritage Action Zone and an important part of Lowestoft’s regeneration.”