East Suffolk Council
Council to consider future of St Peters Court
East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet will consider a report about the future of St Peters Court, Lowestoft’s only high-rise accommodation, in October.
The building is undergoing an extensive improvement programme, and as part of this, a full survey of the building has been completed, which has indicated that a further programme of repair and refurbishment is required.
The cost for these works is substantial, and the Council will now consider whether undertaking these improvements would provide the best value for money for the Council, and the building’s residents, which primarily consists of Council tenants.
The report to be presented to the Council’s Cabinet in October, will therefore decide whether to retain St Peters Court, and make the necessary investment in improvements, or to empty and demolish the building, before redeveloping the site.
Cllr David Beavan, East Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Housing said: "We strive to provide as much quality affordable housing as we can with the resources we have. The building is safe for its residents, but continued improvement and refurbishment work comes at a huge cost which may impact the long-term viability of the building.
“Ultimately, an ongoing and expensive programme of repair for an old building may not be the best approach for residents or the Council. The required work involves improvements to the communal areas, replacement windows, replacement lifts, new external wall insulation and improvements to the roof amongst many others.”
Cllr Beavan also stressed that residents are the council’s priority, and their views and concerns will be listened to.
He said: “Letters have already been sent to every household explaining the situation and we want their views before asking Councillors to make a decision. We understand that residents will have many questions, so we have arranged for three drop-in sessions, with Council officers later this week.
“These events will provide an opportunity for tenants to speak to officers on a one-to-one basis, offer their views and ask any questions they may have. No decision has been made, but all residents will be kept up to date including how they would be supported should a decision be taken to empty the building.
"Council officers will provide clear advice to residents, and I will also be attending the Friday event, should anyone want to speak to me in person.”