Revamp of UK's most easterly seafront under way

GUY CAMPBELL/BBC A pile of sand, a skip full of rubble and a stack of metal fencing is on a grassy area of ground in front of a row of terraced houses GUY CAMPBELL/BBC
The Lowestoft Seafront Vision project includes improvements to the Royal Plain, South Quay Wharf and Royal Green

Work has begun on the £1.9m regeneration of the UK's most easterly seafront.

The Lowestoft Seafront Vision project in Suffolk includes improvements to the Royal Plain, South Quay Wharf and Royal Green areas.

It includes putting in new fountains, building a small park and setting up a games area complete with boulder climbing equipment.

East Suffolk Council said the project would "draw inspiration from the beach, broads, harbour and piers".

UNTITLED PRACTICE An artist's impression of the proposed new Royal Plain area of Lowestoft showing people walking close to the fountains and new lighting, together with a large paved area and rocks  UNTITLED PRACTICE
The project will include installing new fountains on Royal Plain

Seafront Vision is being funded by part of Lowestoft's £24.9m allocation from the government's Towns Fund, awarded in 2021.

In October, the council announced the contract for the works had been awarded to landscaping and civil engineering company Blakedown Landscapes.

An East Suffolk Council spokesperson said: "The overall project is due to be completed by spring 2025 and will provide new fountains and additional lighting, extensive biodiversity improvements, a new multi-use games area and a boulder climbing leisure facility, accessible gym stations, seating and a new pocket park to the South Quay Wharf."

The pocket park - so-called because it is small - will include raised planters, new seating, decorative railings, and a sheltered garden.

GUY CAMPBELL/BBC In the foreground, a weathered, black bench sits on brick paving. There is metal fencing behind it and beyond the fencing, the ground has been dug up. In the distance, the other side of a green, there are terraced houses. GUY CAMPBELL/BBC
The scheme will include improved seating areas and free-to-use exercise stations

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