East Suffolk Council
£4.3m for Lowestoft seafront announced in budget
East Suffolk Council is celebrating a funding boost for Lowestoft, following an announcement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in today's budget.
The council has been granted £4.3m to help regenerate Jubilee Parade on the seafront, next to the Eastern Edge beach huts. The funding will enable the council to realise its vision for rejuvenating this part of the seafront, to drive the visitor economy and improve the quality of life for local people.
The Jubilee Parade development will include a new two-storey building with a first-floor café, offering uninterrupted views of the sea and the award-winning South Beach, along with improved showers, toilets and facilities.
Over £200 million was announced in today’s budget for 16 high-quality regeneration projects across England. Funding was targeted towards places which were ‘left behind’ in the Levelling Up White Paper or projects under £10 million to ensure quick delivery.
The Chancellor's announcement today gives the green light for the Jubilee Parade project to proceed. With a further investment from East Suffolk Council’s capital programme of £600,000, the total cost of the project will be £4.9m.
Cllr Steve Gallant, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Lowestoft and further underlines the growth opportunities for the town and the improved prospects for its communities.
“Our commitment to Lowestoft has already seen a major programme of regeneration works move forward at pace, with the Town Investment Plan and Town Centre Masterplan unlocking £24.9million in Towns Deal funding to deliver and support five key projects.
“This further funding success shows that Lowestoft is seen as a town of great potential, and I couldn't be more delighted.”
Once completed, the project will complement recent investment in the area, transforming a highly prominent and popular area of the south seafront, providing modern facilities for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
Cllr Craig Rivett, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development, said: “We have worked incredibly hard on this bid, because we have faith in Lowestoft, and it is clear that the government agrees.
“This scheme, which is part of our ambitious Seafront Vision project and wider work to enhance Lowestoft for visitors and residents, will deliver a wide range of benefits to the town, including expanding the visitor economy and enhancing business confidence.
“This shows that it could not be a better time to invest in Lowestoft. And that our local communities will reap the benefits.”