East Suffolk Council
Work begins to provide beach access for everyone
Work to construct a boardwalk, which will enable people with disabilities to access Lowestoft’s South Beach more easily, is now underway.
The boardwalk project has been led by the Waveney Disability Forum, who have worked closely with East Suffolk Council to consider how people with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, as well as people with pushchairs, could gain access to the beach.
Located near to public toilets, the beach access ramp and the Claremont car park, the boardwalk will be approximately 1.5m wide and 54m from the lower promenade. At the end, there will be a performance space approximately 6m by 8m, which will be available for events and classes and will be managed through an online booking system.
Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development said: “The boardwalk has been a long-term project, driven by the Waveney Disability Forum and I am pleased to see it underway after all their hard work. Once complete, the boardwalk will enable even more people to enjoy our beautiful beach this summer.”
Cllr Frank Mortimer, on behalf of Waveney Disability Forum said: “I would like to thank the whole team at East Suffolk Council for all their hard and dedicated work in bringing the boardwalk to the stage of completion. Many years ago, I watched disabled people and young mothers unable to use our wonderful beach and thought we needed to give them the opportunity to access and enjoy the beach the same as we all can.
“On behalf of Andrew Proven, myself and the Disability Forum, I would like to thank everybody who has been involved in the boardwalk project.”
Beccles-based contractors Foxwood Building Services began work on Thursday 5 May, with the installation of ground anchors to secure the boardwalk into place.
The boardwalk is expected to be complete by the end of May and in time for the First Light Festival 2022.