Sewer will not stop town centre revamp after all

The development of a new cultural quarter to help regenerate a town centre can restart after revised plans were approved.

East Suffolk Council's plan to redevelop land at Lowestoft's former Battery Green car park and around Marina Road was put on hold a year ago due to the discovery of a sewer.

Work had already started, but was stalled until the plans were revised and resubmitted to the council's planning committee.

Now they have been given the green light again, leader of the council, Caroline Topping, said the cultural quarter would "create a place people can feel proud of".

The plans were revised to avoid the relocation of the sewer and the design received the support of Anglian Water.

Topping said: "Now that planning permission has been granted we are pleased that work can soon restart on this landmark regeneration project.

"The cultural quarter is a prominent site and an important part of Lowestoft's future.

"It will see the transformation of an unused space into a dynamic cultural destination that strengthens the town centre and the newly redeveloped Marina Theatre by attracting local people and visitors throughout the day and into the evening."

The development will feature "flexible buildings" that can be adapted to showcase large scale music events, performances, exhibitions, workshops and creative activities, the council said.

Work is expected to start this winter and be completed by the following winter.

The project forms part of the £29.2m Local Regeneration Fund developed by the council and Lowestoft Place Board.

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