A SEAFRONT town in the UK is set to benefit from a huge £24million redevelopment.
Lowestoft town centre in Suffolk will be transformed after ambitious plans were given the go-ahead by the council’s Planning Committee North last Friday.
According to the Eastern Daily Press, the Battery Green car park and surrounding land on Marina Road in Lowestoft will be transformed into a new cultural quarter.
Dubbed the Cultural Quarter Project, Lowestoft town centre will see three landmark buildings being developed on the site.
One of those buildings will become a community hub for residents featuring a cafe, studio spaces, plant areas, a restaurant and a first floor multi use space.
A new restaurant, which will cater for up to 80 people, will also be built, with space for pop-up bars and leisure areas also being earmarked as part of the project.
Several CGI pictures have provided an insight into what the new development could look like.
The images show a large public square complete with a handful of small green spaces, while another image depicts people using the roof of the former car park.
It is hoped that the regeneration project will drive footfall in the town centre.
The new development is set to cost around £24.3million to build, with £14.3million in funding coming from the government’s Towns Fund.
Meanwhile, Suffolk Council’s Capital Fund will cover the remaining £10million.
When the plans were approved, councillor Malcolm Pitchers said: “I can’t wait for it [the project] to start.”
Meanwhile, councillor Paul Ashdown added: “Battery Green car park has been a monstrosity in the town for a significant amount of time and to see this actually go with something else coming in its place is exciting.”
It is not yet known when construction work on the new renovation project will begin.
No opening dates for the new leisure spaces have been announced.
Lowestoft isn’t the only seaside town in the UK set to benefit from a huge renovation project.
UK seaside towns being transformed
Plans are underfoot to transform Exmouth in Devon, with changes set to take place at the train station and along the seafront.
A new visitor centre and leisure centre will be built, while the forecourt at the train station will be extended.
Plans for a new public space, where events are likely to be held, and a children’s play area and a visitor centre have also been put forward.
If the plans are both approved, they could cost around £6million to implement.
Meanwhile, Clacton Pier, the UK’s biggest pleasure pier, is set to undergo a £40,000 transformation, with work already underway.
The Discovery Bay soft play area at Clacton Pier is currently being transformed as part of a larger renovation project.
The soft play area will be given a brand-new look, and new additions, including a story-telling owl, will also be installed.
Best staycation locations for 2024
1. Bristol
The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon.
A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy, and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.
2. Hull
The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year, and it has a thriving nightlife scene – if that’s something you’re after.
The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.
3. Isles of Scilly
Just off the Cornish coast, it’s easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three.
Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline, as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.
A £75million seaside attraction is set to open in Southport, with a beach thermal spa and surfing lagoon.
First announced in 2020, The Cove Resort would also have an on-site four-star hotel.
