East Suffolk Council

As part of a major programme to reinvigorate Lowestoft’s town centre, proposed designs for improvements in the Marina area have now been revealed.

The Cultural Quarter project is one of five transformational regeneration projects which received £24.9m from the Government’s Towns Fund last year and will see the redevelopment of East Suffolk Council’s current Customer Services Centre and the former Battery Green multi-storey car park. 

The development will provide a new cultural and community hub with studio space for creative businesses together with a competitive leisure complex and restaurant.  

Working closely with East Suffolk Council, Norwich-based architects Chaplin Farrant in partnership with HemingwayDesign have developed designs in readiness for a planning application to be submitted. 

To enable residents and local stakeholders to view the proposed designs and project timeline, an event will be held at the Marina Customer Services Centre on Wednesday 4 October between 10.30am and 7pm. The project team will be there to answer questions and talk through the improvements.  

View and comment on the Cultural Quarter designs
For those who were unable to attend our event on 4 October, you can now view and comment on the proposed Cultural Quarter designs. Please send any comments to thinklowestoft@eastsuffolk.gov.uk before 20 October 2023.

Cllr Toby Hammond, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Economic Development and Transport said: “This is an opportunity to view the designs for this exciting project which will introduce new facilities into the town centre for the benefit of local residents. In combination with other regeneration projects, this new development will help attract people to the town centre, support the town’s vibrant arts and heritage sector and become a destination for residents to enjoy and be proud of. 

“Due for completion by March 2026, these improvements are part of a wider programme of major regeneration underway in Lowestoft, all of which aim to enhance the town for residents as well as attracting visitors and businesses. These projects include the repurposing of the former Post Office and vacant station building, improvements to the seafront and larger infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Gull Wing bridge and permanent flood defences.” 

Mark Camidge of Chaplin Farrant said:“We are excited to share proposals for the area – a space which is designed to encourage fun and social interaction, promote well-being and respond to the changes that all town centres are sadly facing. It’s designed to create new spaces and places that provide long term opportunities for Lowestoft.”