East Suffolk Council
Design team appointed for Seafront Vision project
A major Lowestoft regeneration project which will see the delivery of the first phase of the London Road, Lowestoft High Street Heritage Action Zone and Seafront Masterplan has taken a step forward with the appointment of its design team.
HemingwayDesign, Untitled Practice and Gelling Studio have been appointed as the design team for the first phase of East Suffolk Council’s Seafront Vision delivery project and will produce detailed designs to be submitted for planning in the spring. The proposed designs will also be made available for public consultation in due course.
The Seafront Vison project is one of five transformational regeneration projects which are detailed within the Town Investment Plan, which received £24.9m from the Government’s Towns Fund last year.
The project will see the regeneration of the Royal Plain, Royal Green and South Quay Wharf areas, building on the success of the recently repurposed East Point Pavilion.
Improvements will include new public realm, improved biodiversity and green spaces across the areas, improved leisure provision and replacement of the popular fountains in Royal Plain.
Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development said: “We are delighted to have appointed HemingwayDesign to create designs for the first phase of redevelopments to these popular seafront areas. The Seafront Vision is just part of our ambitious regeneration work taking place along the seafront and in the town centre and will not only attract investment and encourage visitors but will increase opportunities for residents and will help create a town to be proud of.”
Wayne Hemingway, Founder of HemingwayDesign said: “Through our work on the South Beach Vision, the establishment of First Light Festival, and the recently opened East Point Pavilion, we have a deep knowledge and appreciation for the town and its community. We are excited to continue our work in Lowestoft, and to work alongside Untitled Practice and Gelling Studio on the Seafront Vision, architects, and landscape architects, with experience working on several high-profile, coastal and waterfront public realm transformation projects.
“Working with East Suffolk Council, we are working towards a vision for a ‘convivial’ and accessible seafront that encourages social interaction, creatives opportunities for all ages to express themselves through sport, leisure and culture; celebrates the sites evocative history and natural environment; responds positively to the climate and biodiversity crises; and shines a light on this unique ‘most easterly town’ that is becoming increasingly alive with innovation and creative energy.”
Along with the other Towns Fund projects, the Seafront Vision project is expected to be completed by March 2026.