Living your life in Lowestoft

Kirkley Waterfront is dominated by large-scale vacant sites, which have served little purpose for the last 10 years since the decline in timber manufacturing at the Jeld Wen site and the closure of the television factory site at the Sanyo site. The area has some existing businesses operating mainly at Brooke Peninsula, but the units are of varying age and quality with the majority in a dilapidated state and outdated.

As outlined in the Waveney Local Plan, Kirkley Waterfront will transform the site into a vibrant, inclusive community that is integrated with adjacent areas and provides access to homes and employment, in a high quality environment which maximises the opportunities presented by the waterfront location.

The new sustainable neighbourhood will create new homes, a primary school, employment opportunities and improved access to water based leisure pursuits; all within walking distance of the wider town centre, seafront, and the Broads National Park.

In October 2023, East Suffolk Council were awarded £4.2m from HM Government’s Brownfield Release Fund to help transform brownfield land in Lowestoft into much needed future housing. The funding will help cover the cost of land remediation at the former Sanyo and Survitec manufacturing sites, including site clearance, demolition, removal of tanks and below ground services, removal of contamination, asbestos, hydrocarbons, and ground gas monitoring.

A consultation took place 10 July – 6 August 2024 regarding the former Sanyo and Survitec sites.

Led by: East Suffolk Council
Funding Secured: £4.2m (Brownfield Release Fund for Sanyo & Survitec sites)

As part of its commitment to increase the number of high-quality affordable and sustainable homes within its housing stock, East Suffolk Council has successfully secured planning permission for 9 homes on a vacant brownfield site in Stanley Road, Lowestoft. This development comprises 7 three-bedroom houses and 2 one-bedrooms flats, incorporating sustainable design, including air source heat pumps, EV chargers and solar PV panels.

The new development is part of the Council’s comprehensive programme to deliver vital new housing in East Suffolk for the benefit of local communities.

The properties will comprise of a mixture of shared ownership, affordable rent, and open market sales, with construction anticipated to start in 2025.

Led by: East Suffolk Council
Funded by: East Suffolk Council
Timeframe: Construction to start Spring/Summer 2026

Formerly used by The Shaw Trust, Milton Road East is in an area of mixed use that includes residential and local businesses.

The existing building was demolished in July 2023, and was replaced with 6 two-bedroom houses social rented homes managed by East Suffolk Council and allocated to eligible applicants on the housing register. The homes include the use of air source heat pumps for heating and hot water and solar panels to generate electricity, with most houses provided with their own garden and car parking space.

Milton Road East is a sustainable development, close proximity to schools, good transport links including bus and railway, and located a short distance from Lowestoft High Street, offering direct access to local shops, cafes, and other community facilities.

Led by: East Suffolk Council
Funded by: East Suffolk Council and Homes England
Completed: August 2024

As part of East Suffolk Council’s ongoing commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality, affordable housing, this project delivers six new two-bedroom homes on a disused garage site in the heart of Lowestoft’s historic quarter. The scheme transforms underutilised brownfield land into a vibrant, sustainable development of terraced and semi-detached homes designed for three-person households. These properties are carefully crafted to be energy-efficient, well-designed, and affordable to live in, helping to reduce long-term costs for future residents.

Elim Terrace is a sustainable development that sits within an established estate community, beneath the landmark St Peters Court Tower and adjacent to the Crown Street West Character Area, part of the North Lowestoft Conservation Area. The location offers excellent access to local amenities, with schools nearby, strong public transport connections including bus routes and rail services, and just a short walk from Lowestoft High Street. Residents will benefit from direct access to local shops, cafes, and essential community facilities, making Elim Terrace an ideal setting for modern, affordable living rooted in the town’s historic fabric.

Led by: East Suffolk Council