East Suffolk Council
Project delayed by supply issues
Work to regenerate Royal Plain, Royal Green, and South Quay Wharf in Lowestoft has been delayed due to unexpected supply issues.
The first phase of the Seafront Vision project, which will see works to the popular areas of Royal Plain, Royal Green, and South Quay Wharf, was due to begin in February. However, extensive delivery times for specialist equipment relating to the new fountains have now been identified, meaning the work will be delayed by several months whilst the contract to deliver the project is retendered.
Cllr Toby Hammond, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Economic Development and Transport said: “This is incredibly disappointing as we know people are keen for this work to be completed and especially for the fountains to be reinstated, and we had planned for this to be complete before the summer. Unfortunately, issues with the supply and cost of some elements of the project have come to light and so we now need to delay the project whilst a new supplier is appointed.
“We are frustrated by this delay however we have a responsibility to ensure we deliver high quality facilities, as promised, for residents and visitors to enjoy. We are looking forward to events taking place this summer at East Point Pavilion and the First Light Festival, and we will then look to complete the works at Royal Plain, Royal Green, and South Quay Wharf ahead of the following summer season.”
The Seafront Vision project is funded through part of Lowestoft’s £24.9m allocation from the Government’s Towns Fund, which was awarded in 2021.
A new tendering opportunity will become available in April, and it is hoped work will start later this year, with the project complete by Summer 2025.
About the Seafront Vision project
Over the past four years, East Suffolk Council has worked with residents, visitors, businesses and key stakeholders to understand where they would like to see the Towns Fund allocation spent to help Lowestoft grow as a place to live, work, visit, and invest in. Feedback given highlighted the need for more leisure facilities for young people including gym stations, social seating, climbing facilities and a games area which would be free to access. One of the most requested improvements was the replacement of the fountains on Royal Plain, which have not been operational for several years.
The fountains will be reintroduced, with new fountains installed which meet the required standards for interactive water play and include the latest technology. Other improvements to the public space include new benches, raised planters and additional lighting.
During the consultations for this project, the Council were pleased to receive many views from young people who expressed a desire for more areas where they can meet socially and this has been considered in the designs.
Other works include improved surfacing within the East Point Pavilion courtyard garden which will improve access and provide a flexible events space, soft landscaped edges along the esplanade and the car park, new bench seating, a cycle hub, and a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) which was suggested by students from Pakefield High School.
South Quay Wharf will become a pocket park for people to enjoy the view over the harbour and bascule bridge as boats come in and out of port, with planting featuring species native to the Broads.
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.