Lowestoft Town Council
This last weekend saw the start of Lowestoft Heritage Open Days. The Lowestoft Town Hall was open to the public on Saturday and Sunday and by all accounts was a smashing success. Visitors and citizens of Lowestoft had the opportunity to see displays of local history, learn more about the Town Hall, and see for themselves what a valuable asset this wonderful old building can be for the community.
Visitor numbers were up about 10% over last year at 547, which visitors coming in from all over. The Town Hall had visitors from as far away as Australia and a visitor from Scotland who came to Lowestoft specifically for Heritage Open Days. On Friday Heritage England for a private presentation of new research into the Heritage Action Zone are that was attended by the national director of Historic England, Sir Laurie Magnus.
The Mayor, Alice Taylor, wishes to give special thanks to Councillors Susan Barnard, Colin Butler, Alan Green, Graham Parker, John Pitts and David Youngman for their brilliant work at the Town Hall meeting, greeting and guiding for the entire weekend. It’s community spirit like this that makes it possible for a place like the Town Hall to participate in Heritage Open Days and is truly fits in with this year’s Heritage Open Day’s theme of “People Power”.
Even though the Town Hall is no longer open, HOD is still going on this week and through next weekend, so please take some time to visit the many other FREE sites and events in town.
On Wednesday 25th September the Lowestoft Job Center are hosting a Jobfair between 10am and 2pm
Hard work is underway to progress bringing the old Town Hall back to life. Since Lowestoft Town Council became the owner in 2017, it has improved the building’s appearance by installing artistic hoardings over the security sheets on the windows and has also undertaken routine repairs and maintenance when needed. It has also been able to open the superb historic council chamber for public events, such as Heritage Open Days.
However, permanent solutions are needed and the Town Council does not have the required significant funds to inject into major regeneration works. Its ambition is to explore all realistic options for the Town Hall’s future and there has already been a tremendous contribution of ideas from the public. The Town Council also needs any solution for the future of the building to pay its way; it is in everybody’s interests, especially the taxpayers, for a viable solution to be found which does not unduly pull on the public purse or harm the environment and which benefits the community.
Over a period of approximately 5 weeks from mid-September, contractors Purcell and MS Oakes will progress identified emergency repairs on the Town Hall, including to the roof and guttering.
These necessary works are totally funded by Historic England and are in partnership with East Suffolk Council and the Heritage Action Zone. Exciting things happen when we work together!
As part of the Heritage Action Zone, Historic England have also commissioned Colliers International Ltd, specialists in looking for practical and economically sustainable solutions for buildings like the Town Hall, to conduct a feasibility study on future options for the Town Hall and land adjacent to it, on behalf of the Town Council and East Suffolk Council. This exciting project will establish the best long term mutually supportive options for their regeneration.
All of the ideas given to us by the public over the last 2 years will be considered and with these experts, the Town Council and partners will put together a vision for the Town Hall and will apply for funding to make it happen. It is not too late for other ideas to be considered and any thoughts should be sent to admin@lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk.
The Notice of Election and the Election Timetable for the Harbour and Normanston Parish Ward election on the 17th October have now been published. If you wish to stand for this election please contact the East Suffolk Council's election team, or if you have any questions about standing please contact us.
Following the success of last year's event, Lowestoft Town Council is again hosting a Macmillan Coffee morning, at its offices in Hamilton House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft. Please be advised that no parking is available at Hamilton House, but limited on street parking is available, along with pay and display car parks on Battery Green Road and Whapload Road.
There are two non-Councillor vacancies on the Town Council’s Climate Emergency Committee. The Committee is not a campaigning or political group. In order to assist the Committee’s consideration of the suitable public representatives, any interested persons will be asked to submit a written expression of interest outlining their offer by Friday 13 September to admin@lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk.
The Climate Emergency Committee will be meeting on Monday 16 September at 14:30 at Hamilton House.
Read more on Climate Emergency Committee non-Councillor vacancies
The Town Mayor – Cllr Alice Taylor – and Inspector Elizabeth Casey from Suffolk Constabulary were among those present this morning to see the Red Ensign flown at Lowestoft Police Station, to commemorate Merchant Navy Day. Cllr Taylor gave an address, speaking of the important work of the Merchant Navy during both World Wars and since.
It's not too late for traders to register for the new Market Plain Town Market! Please visit our website or contact us for more information.
Advance warning of work starting in February, affecting local train services:
Read more on Update from Network Rail: Norwich Yarmouth Lowestoft Re-Signalling Project
The timetable for the Harbour and Normanston Bye-Election can be viewed below
