Lowestoft Town Council is delighted to announce that the Town Hall regeneration project has successfully secured a grant from Historic England.
The grant award of £707,000 from their Heritage At Risk Capital Fund will help revitalise the iconic Town Hall and bring it back into community use. The money will contribute towards restoration and conservation costs, including the roof, façade and historic windows.
Cllr Nasima Begum, Mayor of Lowestoft said “I am delighted that Historic England will be supporting the Lowestoft Town Hall Project with this grant. The Town Hall is an iconic heritage building in the area, steeped in history but with lots of potential for future use, so it is a great sign that Historic England have recognised the importance of this project. On behalf of Lowestoft Town Council, I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to this project by responding to consultations, engaging with our heritage events and through bringing their expertise and passion.”
Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, said: “We’re pleased to support the restoration of Lowestoft Town Hall with Heritage at Risk Capital Funding of £707,000 and to be working in partnership with Lowestoft Town Council, East Suffolk Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to save this important local landmark and give it a new future.”
The work will see the Town Hall renovated with provision for a compelling and innovative heritage hub, gallery space with a changing programme of exhibitions and events, wedding and reception venue with catering facilities, co-working space for sole traders and small businesses, a café, and additional community event space. Improving the accessibility to the Town Hall is included within the plans with a more open reception area, accessible toilet facilities, including a Changing Places room and a lift. The Town Hall will also become the home for Lowestoft Town Council, hosting the Council meetings and staff offices and Suffolk Registrars.
The Lowestoft Town Hall Project is a Lowestoft Town Council initiative supported by National Lottery players via The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Historic England. Other significant funders for the regeneration include Towns Fund and East Suffolk Council.
