Former Lowestoft post office could become new creative hub
It's been empty since 2018
The transformation of a former post office in Lowestoft into a new creative hub could be given the go-ahead next week.
The historic grade-II listed building in Lowestoft’s London Road North sits on council-owned land and has been empty since 2018.
The proposals, submitted by East Suffolk Council, would see the site, which also includes land to its rear, house six new artist studios, an art gallery, classroom space, and a new café.
Repairs to the building, which included reinstating the original front door, and restoring its stonework, roof, and sash windows, wrapped up last year.
Despite the plans, there would be limited change to the external appearance of the building.
If approved the new art space would be dubbed ‘Messums East’ and run by Messums, who, the council report states, are recognised for revitalising old buildings and embedding them within communities through artistic enterprise.
Also running the space would be Suffolk-based sculptor, Laurence Edwards, who would use the building as a base for a major new project - a large bronze landmark sculpture which would go on display in the town.
The move to revamp the site is part of a larger council effort to tackle high vacancy rates within the town.
In January, Lowestoft’s vacancy rate sat at 26 per cent, or 96 empty shops out of 366 — nearly double the national average.
This effort also includes projects such as the development of East Suffolk’s customer services centre and works to the shopfronts in Station Square.
The application is recommended for approval by planning officers and a decision is expected on Tuesday, March 12, during the council’s planning committee meeting.