East Suffolk Council
Contract awarded to deliver Lowestoft seafront works
East Suffolk Council are pleased to announce that Blakedown Landscapes will deliver the works to the Lowestoft Seafront Vision project, subject to the signing of contracts.
The project will focus on the regeneration of Royal Plain, Royal Green and South Quay Wharf with improvements to these three key areas funded through Lowestoft’s £24.9m allocation from the Government’s Towns Fund.
Among the work which will get underway this month, there will be new fountains at Royal Plain, a new pocket park at South Quay Wharf and a range of improvements to Royal Green including the installation of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and boulder climbing.
The regeneration of this area of Lowestoft supports the wider Towns Fund programme and complements plans to build a two-storey restaurant and café complex at Jubilee Parade. The contract to deliver these works was recently awarded to PJ Spillings and the construction is expected to coincide with the timing of Blakedown Landscapes work.
Cllr Tim Wilson, East Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “We are pleased to award the tender for construction of the Seafront Vision project to Blakedown Landscapes. The improvements to these areas will really make a difference, such as the new fountains at Royal Plain, which have previously been enjoyed by people and families over the years.
“The project also supports wider regeneration projects outlined in the Lowestoft Town Investment Plan, such as the redevelopment of Jubilee Parade, and we hope these projects will bring further prosperity to the town and encourage more visitors to explore what Lowestoft has to offer.”
Chris Wellbelove, Managing Director at Blakedown Landscapes said: “We are delighted to be appointed as principal contractor for the public realm works at Lowestoft's historic seafront. Building on our successful completion of the regeneration works at The Ness, we are committed to delivering high quality, sustainable improvements that will enhance the local environment. We look forward to collaborating with East Suffolk Council and all stakeholders to bring this important project to life and enhancing the town's vibrant coastal identity.”
Work will begin on site in October and will be completed in the spring next year. Residents and visitors will be able to take full advantage of these updated facilities just in time for the summer months of 2025.
East Suffolk Council worked closely with local businesses and organisations throughout the design phase, including the Waveney Disability Forum. During construction, the RNLI Lifeboat Station and shop, South Pier, South Pier Entertainment Centre, Yacht Station, Jet Adventures, Harbour Inn, Iconic, East Point Pavilion, and businesses located at Pier Terrace will remain open and accessible.
Work in full:
Royal Plain
- New fountains on Royal Plain, which consists of new plant room and jets (these will meet the required standards for water play)
- Additional lighting
- New benches and raised planters to the north and west
South Quay Wharf
- New pocket park comprising:
- Raised planters
- New seating and planting
- New decorative railings
- New lighting and paving
- A sheltered garden backdrop from which to watch the boats leaving and returning to the port
Royal Green
- Demolition and adaption of existing walls along the esplanade
- Installation of Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) & boulder climbing area
- Extensive landscaping along the edges of the esplanade and the car park
- New bench seating
- Free to use exercise stations along the length of the site
- New cycle hub to the north encouraging active travel and providing space for e-bikes, bicycle parking and a bike repair station
- Introduction of electric vehicle charging points