Collaborating & Connecting
Lowestoft is a vibrant coastal town undergoing major transformation, with over £200 million invested in transport, infrastructure, and climate resilience. The new Gull Wing Third Crossing will ease congestion, boost regeneration, and improve connections for green and active travel, while the recently completed Flood Protection project strengthens the town’s resilience against climate challenges. Alongside this, upgraded digital infrastructure through the Full Fibre initiative is positioning Lowestoft as an attractive hub for innovative, tech-driven businesses.
By breaking down barriers and forging strong partnerships with neighbouring areas such as the The Broads National Park, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, and even London, Lowestoft is unlocking future investment and expanding its reach. Together, these developments are shaping the town into an exciting place to live, work, invest, and visit, with a bright and prosperous future ahead.
Gull Wing
The Gull Wing river crossing, the world’s largest rolling bascule bridge operated by hydraulic cylinders, is a nationally significant project that will transform Lowestoft and the surrounding region. It will reduce congestion, improve journey reliability across Lake Lothing, and support regeneration and investment. Public demand for a third crossing spans over 125 years, with strong local support. The bridge opened to the public in September 2024 and was officially inaugurated by HRH Princess Anne in November 2024.
Led by: Suffolk County Council and Farrans Construction
Project cost: £146m
Opened: September 2024 | Officially opened by HRH Princess Anne 19 November 2024
Gull Wing Bridge. Credit: Farrans Construction
Lowestoft Flood Protection
The Lowestoft Flood Protection has significantly enhanced the town’s defences against tidal flooding caused by North Sea surges. It now protects more than 1,500 homes and 825 businesses by reducing the risk of flooding from both tidal and surface water sources. Key elements include new tidal floodwalls along Hamilton Road, Waveney Road, and around the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club and South Pier. These combine solid walls, demountable defences, floodgates, and glass floodwalls designed to maintain views of the marina and port.
In addition, vulnerable areas such as Velda Close have benefited from new floodwalls and pumping stations, greatly reducing flood risk after previous serious incidents. Over 120 properties at risk from surface water flooding have been equipped with Property Level Resilience measures like flood doors, non-return valves, and self-sealing airbrick covers. These measures work automatically, ensuring homes are protected even when residents are away.
Construction began in 2021 and was finished in October 2023, marking a major milestone in securing Lowestoft’s long-term resilience to flooding and helping safeguard the community and local economy.
Led by: Coastal Partnership East
Project Cost: £67m
Funding: £43m HM Government Green Recovery Fund 2020.
Completed: October 2023
Velda Close Flood Defence Scheme. Credit: CPE
Lowestoft Full Fibre Project
CityFibre and Suffolk County Council have completed a major broadband upgrade in Lowestoft, delivering ultrafast full fibre connectivity to 41,609 homes and 2,227 businesses. With download speeds now up to 330Mbps and upload speeds up to 30Mbps, this cutting-edge digital infrastructure supports the needs of advanced technology companies.
Thanks to an exclusive partnership between CityFibre and Vodafone, businesses receive a free fibre connection from the main network directly into their premises. This state-of-the-art network enhances Lowestoft’s appeal as a hub for innovative and tech-driven businesses, providing the secure, fast, and reliable connections essential for growth and competitiveness in the digital economy.
Delivered by: CityFibre and Suffolk County Council
Status: Completed
Fibre Installation
Lowestoft Digital Towns
(Formerly known as Smart Towns).
Since 2022, Lowestoft has benefited from East Suffolk’s Digital Towns programme, providing free public Wi-Fi, visitor footfall data, and marketing tools. Over 80,000 people have connected to the Wi-Fi, helping local businesses attract and retain customers.
The programme also offers digital skills support and grants to help businesses improve their online presence. Funded by local and regional partners, Digital Towns is making Lowestoft a more connected and vibrant place to visit and work.
🌐 Visit: East Suffolk Council
📩 Email: economicdevelopment@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
