We’re pleased to share a closer look at the transformation of the former Post Office building on London Road North, a flagship regeneration project at the heart of Lowestoft’s future being delivered by East Suffolk Council.
Located within London Road North, in the heart of Lowestoft's town centre, the building plays a central role in the Lowestoft Town Investment Plan.
Since its development began in 2020, the project has been driven by a clear ambition: to create new cultural opportunities, strengthen the town centre’s leisure offer, and support the growth of creative industries in Lowestoft.
Captured by Julian Claxton Photography, this behind-the-scenes video offers a unique insight into both the progress on site and the people bringing the scheme to life. It highlights the collaboration, expertise and shared vision that underpin the project.
A new cultural destination for Lowestoft
Designed by Norwich-based architects Chaplin Farrant, the sensitively restored building will be transformed into a dynamic arts and creative hub. The space will host a revolving residency programme for international, national and regional artists, alongside exhibition galleries, work studios, education spaces, a screening room, and a café with outdoor seating.
The redevelopment will not only preserve the building’s heritage but also reintroduce it as a vibrant destination, encouraging creativity, learning and community engagement in the town centre.
Managed by Messums East
The building will be operated by Messums East, an organisation recognised for revitalising historic spaces and embedding them within communities through artistic enterprise. Their not-for-profit arm, Messums Creative, focuses on inclusive and accessible cultural programming, delivering workshops, courses, exhibitions, performances, and outreach activities for all ages.
Working with local, national and international artists, Messums East will provide opportunities for schools, colleges, community groups and the wider public to engage with the arts, helping to inspire creativity, develop skills and support long-term cultural participation.
Their annual Sculpture in the Sands initiative has already made a significant impact in Lowestoft, bringing world-class, sustainable sculpture to the town’s shoreline and transforming the beach into a vibrant cultural destination during the summer months.
Supporting artists and creating opportunities
A dedicated studio within the building will be home to internationally renowned sculptor Laurence Edwards, who lives and works in East Suffolk. Known locally for his striking installations Chthonic Head and Walking Man during First Light Festival, Laurence has also been co-commissioned by East Suffolk Council to create a permanent landmark sculpture for the town.
A collaborative investment in the town’s future
The project has been made possible through funding from East Suffolk Council, HM Government’s Towns Fund, Arts Council England and Messums.org. Delivered in partnership with organisations including East Suffolk Council, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Messums East, Arts Council England, Chaplin Farrant Ltd, and Barnes Construction, the scheme reflects a strong commitment to Lowestoft’s regeneration.
The result will be a unique cultural venue that brings high-quality exhibitions and collections to the town, while providing space for artists and communities to create, collaborate and connect.
Watch the video to go behind the scenes and see how this exciting transformation is taking shape.
Have Your Say on the New Battery Green Designs
Public engagement has now concluded, as of 1st May 2026. East Suffolk Council thanks everyone who took the time to share their interest, ideas and feedback – your input is an important part of shaping the future of Battery Green.
The project team is now reviewing all feedback received and using it to refine the proposals. This will help ensure the designs respond to local priorities before moving forward to the next stage, including preparation of a planning application.
The design boards from the engagement are still available to view below.
About the Battery Green Project
The Battery Green project was first developed three years ago and has continued to evolve through planning feedback and market engagement to ensure it delivers sustainable, appropriate uses for the site.
Key milestones already achieved include:
- Demolition and site preparation, including the former multi‑storey car park
- Partial demolition and refurbishment of the Marina Centre
- Improvements to the Marina Theatre, delivered by Lowestoft Town Council
Recent market testing showed strong interest from restaurant operators and cultural organisations, alongside limited commercial interest from the leisure sector. In response, the proposals have been updated so the former car park building will now provide space for cultural uses.
This revised approach protects the ambition of the original vision, supports job creation and increased footfall, and ensures all buildings have viable long‑term uses.
Cultural Quarter Operator
First Light Festival CIC has been selected as the proposed operator for the new Cultural Quarter. Their plans focus on creating a lively hub for culture, creativity and community activity, complementing existing venues such as the Marina, Players and Seagull Theatres, Messum’s East and the Town Hall redevelopment.
The building is expected to include flexible event and performance spaces, rehearsal and workspace areas, community facilities and a new green public realm for outdoor activity.
Project Information
- Planning submission: June 2026
- Led by: East Suffolk Council
- Contractor: Morgan Sindall
- Project cost: £24.3 million
- Expected completion: Spring 2028
Have Your Say
We invite you to review the proposed designs for Battery Green and share your views. Your feedback will play an important role in shaping the future of this important public space.
🗓 Feedback period: 20 April – 1 May
Download the Designs
You can download and view the public engagement display boards using the link below.
Please note: the link will automatically download the documents to your device.
Download: Battery Green Public Engagement Boards
Lowestoft is undergoing a major transformation - and Jubilee Parade stands at the centre of it.
Backed by £4.3 million from HM Government’s Levelling Up Fund, this flagship seafront redevelopment will create a high‑quality, two‑storey leisure complex designed to drive footfall, increase dwell time, and strengthen the town’s growing visitor economy.
With opening planned for summer 2026, the scheme has already attracted significant commercial interest. Most of the ground‑floor concession units are now occupied, and only two opportunities remain for businesses and investors seeking a foothold within one of Suffolk’s fastest‑growing leisure destinations.
Why Businesses Are Investing in Lowestoft’s Seafront
Lowestoft is the largest town in Suffolk, with a local population of around 72,000 and a wider catchment of 190,000 people within 20km. Combined with strong seasonal tourism, rising visitor numbers, and a high‑performing coastal leisure market, the town offers sustained footfall and strong commercial potential.
Jubilee Parade sits at the heart of this visitor flow, positioned:
- Directly on South Beach, the town’s busiest tourism zone
- Between Pakefield Beach and Claremont Pier, along the pedestrianised seafront
- Adjacent to the award‑winning Eastern Edge beach huts
- A short walk from East Point Pavilion, the town centre and multiple car parks
- Within 0.5 miles of the train station and 0.6 miles of the A12
The scheme also benefits from significant public realm upgrades, including new lighting, decking, enhanced access, a lift and staircase connecting the upper and lower promenades, new toilets, outdoor showers and a Changing Places facility, all contributing to increased footfall and visitor satisfaction.
For commercial operators, this means a high‑visibility, high‑traffic environment surrounded by supportive infrastructure and boosted by continuous investment in place-making.
Available Commercial Opportunities
1. Ground Floor Concession Unit – Unit 4
Marketed by East Suffolk Council
A rare opportunity to secure an affordable, high‑impact seaside trading position ideal for agile operators, start-ups, experiential concepts or niche retailers.
Key investment highlights:
- Initial Rent: £5,000 per annum
- Size: 15 sq m (161 sq ft)
- Location: Promenade‑level frontage at South Beach
- Use Class: Retail / leisure
- Status: New lease available
This unit offers consistent footfall from beach users, families, walkers and visitors transitioning between Pakefield, the Pier and the town centre. It is well‑suited to takeaway food, boutique retail, beach‑side services or compact experiential offers seeking a low‑risk, high‑profile location.
Contact:
📧
📞 01502 523354
2. First Floor Landmark Restaurant Opportunity
Marketed by Roche Chartered Surveyors
🔗 Roche Chartered Surveyors: Jubilee Parade
This is the signature commercial unit within Jubilee Parade, a newly built, architecturally-led restaurant space with uninterrupted sea views and extensive external seating. Spaces like this rarely come to market on the East Coast.
Key investment highlights:
- Size: 1,442 sq ft
- Market Positioning: Flagship dining / café / bar venue
- Panoramic fully glazed frontage
- Large outdoor dining terrace overlooking the beach
- Commercial kitchen (fit-out negotiable subject to lease terms)
- Dedicated customer & staff WCs
- Level access to both Upper Esplanade and Lower Promenade via lift and footbridge
- Availability: From Spring 2026
This unit is designed to become a destination venue - ideal for established food & beverage operators, leisure brands, or investors seeking a high‑profile coastal location with year-round trading potential.
Part of a Bigger Regeneration Vision
Jubilee Parade is the third phase of a multi‑year investment strategy for Lowestoft’s seafront. Earlier phases have included:
- Full cliff stabilisation
- Delivery of contemporary new beach huts (Eastern Edge)
- Major public realm enhancements
The new complex replaces a 1930s structure no longer viable for modern use. Ground investigations and design development ensure the new building meets contemporary standards, accessibility requirements, and long-term sustainability demands.
Jubilee Parade will significantly strengthen the town’s leisure economy, increase visitor dwell time, and provide new revenue-generating opportunities for operators and investors.
For Investors & Operators Looking Ahead
With construction phased to protect the peak summer season, Jubilee Parade offers:
- Long-term growth potential within a fast-improving coastal economy
- Immediate visibility and footfall through its prime location
- An active, supportive local authority committed to regeneration
- Strong tourist market performance supporting year‑round operation
- A rare opportunity to secure space in a new-build seafront complex
Whether you're a national operator seeking an East Coast flagship, an independent restaurateur looking to scale up, or an investor exploring coastal commercial assets, Jubilee Parade presents a compelling opportunity.
Find Out More
To enquire or arrange a viewing, please contact the marketing agents for each unit:
Ground Floor Unit 4 (East Suffolk Council)
📧
📞 01502 523354
📁 Download Jubilee Parade Unit 4
First Floor Restaurant (Roche Chartered Surveyors)
Adrian Fennell, Roche Chartered Surveyors
07880 975250
Ben Common, Roche Chartered Surveyors
01603756340 | 07917762230
🔗 Roche Chartered Surveyors: Jubilee Parade
Jubilee Parade, March 2026 - PJ Spillings
Originally published by East Suffolk Council
A new permanent piece of public art is set to be created for Lowestoft – thanks to a partnership between East Suffolk Council and celebrated sculptor, Laurence Edwards.
Temporary summer-long installations of the artist’s work have already drawn thousands of visitors to the town’s South Beach – and now East Suffolk Council has commissioned the local art college graduate to create a lasting landmark.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Caroline Topping signed a formal agreement with the Suffolk-born artist, for the creation of the new bronze sculpture, at his Halesworth foundry on Thursday 6 November.
Laurence has deep roots in the district and a distinguished reputation for creating internationally celebrated public pieces – with his work recently featured on Lowestoft’s South Beach as part of Sculpture on the Sand, delivered in partnership with Messums art gallery and opening at the annual First Light Festival.
His work often features life-sized, or larger-than-life human figures, distinguished by dynamic forms and richly textured surfaces that explore the relationship between people and their environment.
The proposed artwork will be a permanent sculpture developed through conversations with the community. Laurence will engage with residents, young people, and local groups to help shape the theme and concept of the piece. He will also take up a ground-floor studio at the town’s rejuvenated Post Office building, set to open next year, where visitors will be able to learn more about his creative process and the making of the sculpture.
The final piece, set to be cast and fabricated at his Halesworth foundry, will be jointly funded by Laurence, his patrons, and East Suffolk Council’s capital programme. Potential locations for the sculpture are being explored, ensuring the chosen site reflects the themes and ideas that will emerge through community engagement in the coming months.
Cllr Topping said: “Following the success of Laurence’s temporary installations on South Beach over the past few years, this marks an important step in our partnership to deliver a permanent landmark sculpture for Lowestoft.
“We’ve seen how public art can enhance a place’s identity and economic vitality, enrich its culture and heritage, and spark conversation. This sculpture will inspire residents and visitors alike, as his previous ones have inspired me, as well as celebrate our district’s creativity and talent.
“I’m delighted to have signed the agreement at Laurence’s studio and be provided a fascinating insight into his creative process. Seeing the scale of work, the machinery involved and the artistic inspiration involved in shaping and creating a major sculpture is truly impressive.”
Laurence’s own efforts to reduce waste and energy consumption, by adopting new casting techniques and sustainable materials, are both fully supported and closely aligned to East Suffolk Council’s commitment to reduction, reuse, and recycling, as well as its priorities in promoting greener technologies.
Laurence said: “This unique and innovative opportunity has evolved over the last five years; placing works on the beach, amidst a community that set me on my path many years ago, has for me been rewarding and meaningful.
“I am very excited to find myself in a position to able to create something permanent in and of the town and to be working with a community that has showed nothing but openness, kindness and even love over the last four years.”
Originally published by East Suffolk Council
East Suffolk Council has this week celebrated reaching a significant milestone in transforming the former Lowestoft Post Office into a vibrant arts venue.
Representatives from the Council and its partners took part in a steelwork signing ceremony at the site on London Road North yesterday (Wednesday 15 October) following the first phase of steelwork being installed which will form the new ground floor creative studio and café.
Owned by East Suffolk Council, the building is being brought back into use thanks to funding secured from the Towns Fund, Arts Council England, and Messums Org, with the aim of creating new cultural opportunities for residents and visitors and supporting the growth of Lowestoft’s creative economy.
Planned to open in late spring 2026, the 1,500 square metre site, including the Grade II listed former Post Office and surrounding buildings, are being transformed into a vibrant visual arts and cultural venue. Designed by Norwich-based architects Chaplin Farrant, the redeveloped space will open as Messums East, offering gallery and exhibition areas, short-stay accommodation for visiting creatives, a café, and a dedicated artist’s studio for internationally renowned sculptor Laurence Edwards.
Following the event, signatures from organisations involved in the regeneration project will be encapsulated within the brickwork of the building as a lasting reminder of the people and collaboration between them to bring it back to life.
Cllr Caroline Topping Leader of East Suffolk Council said: “The signing of the steelwork marks a proud milestone in restoring this iconic building and regenerating it into a creative hub for Lowestoft. It was fantastic to bring everyone together today to celebrate the works that are underway and the partnerships working together to shape the space into a vibrant destination for people to come together, connect and be inspired.”
Barnes Construction started internal restoration, and redevelopment of the Grade II listed building in March 2025. Work currently being undertaken includes foundations for the lift and stairs, structural repairs, roof works, uncovering and cleaning glazed bricks as well as reconfiguring the buildings to accommodate their new layout and uses.
Alongside construction, Barnes has been working with groups including Lowestoft Men’s Shed, Access Community Trust, Friends of Fen Park, and Lofty Heights, as well as East Coast College and local schools, to offer training and skills development and activities for people living locally to get involved in.
Cllr Topping added: “This project is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s vital that our regeneration contracts deliver additional benefits for local communities and young people. I’d like to thank the community representatives here today for their invaluable contributions to the social initiatives that are connected to the construction phase of the project being led by Barnes Construction, which are helping to build a stronger, more connected community for the future.”
Mark Bailey, Divisional Director for Barnes Construction commented: “The steelwork signing ceremony marks a major milestone in transforming this historic post office into a vibrant arts space, that celebrates heritage, regeneration, and creativity. This refurbishment is more than just a building project - it’s about building opportunity, and as the principal contractor, we’re proud to be delivering meaningful social value through local employment, skills development and community engagement. We are looking forward to seeing it thrive as a hub for arts, culture, and connection - an inspiring example of how construction can help shape a better future.”
