Lowestoft Post Office restoration project gets award for craftmanship

The Grade II listed building has been revamped

Author: Sian RochePublished 24th May 2023
Last updated 24th May 2023

A major project to restore Lowestoft's former Post Office building has been given an award.

The restoration scheme for the Post Office, in London Road North, has been given a 'Craftmanship Award' by the local branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, said: “This award is fantastic news and it’s testament to the dedicated partnership working and superb craft skills that have combined to restore and rejuvenate the Post Office building.

“The transformation of this loved local landmark has been a major project in the Heritage Action Zone and it’s wonderful to see it come to life as a community resource which will secure its future for years to come.”

The project, completed in April 2023, restored the external fabric of the Grade II listed building - repairing both the roof and windows.

The conservation repairs were completed through the London Road, Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone project, funded by Historic England and Towns Fund.

The works are enabling a larger redevelopment of the Post Office complex into a visual arts space.

Plans for the proposed conversion have been submitted to the council’s planning department for consideration and show a series of artist studios within the main Post Office, the proposed addition of an extension to provide a lift and improve accessibility to the building, as well as a café and courtyard.

Rebecca Styles, Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone Project Manager at East Suffolk Council, said: “We're thrilled to receive this recognition for the conservation repairs to the former Post Office. It's thanks to a very dedicated project team and the quality of the skilled craftspeople working on the building and support from Historic England.

“We hope the finished building will be a landmark and venue that the people of Lowestoft can be proud of for generations to come.”

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