Plans to revamp disused station building shelved

A building at Lowestoft railway station has been empty and unused for 50 years

Plans to breathe new life into a historic railway station building which has been empty for decades have been shelved for the time being, casting doubt over its future.

East Suffolk Council proposed spending just shy of £2m on redeveloping a disused part of Lowestoft station which has been dormant for 50 years.

The authority wanted to transform the plot, which has "fallen into disrepair", into a restaurant, a café and flexible workspace as part of its desire to regenerate the town.

But council bosses have now decided to reallocate funding from the project after being unable to secure ownership of the building from Network Rail.

Toby Hammond, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for economic development and transport, said the decision was based on factors beyond the authority's control.

He said: “Without any guarantee [that securing ownership] would take place imminently, delivery of the scheme within the Towns Fund spending deadline cannot be assured.

"It was agreed reallocating £1.96m of funds from the station building and pausing the project temporarily would provide the best financial outcome.

"It will mean we can move forward with increased confidence by ensuring that the current works remain affordable and deliverable in the face of greater pressures.

"We will continue to work to bring forward the station building project in the future and remain committed to featuring the station building project in a refreshed plan.”

East Suffolk Council has not been able to secure ownership of a building at Lowestoft railway station from Network Rail

Bosses at the Railway Heritage Trust, which also committed funding to the scheme, said they were disappointed at the project's postponement.

But not everyone is upset over the project being put on the back burner, with the Lowestoft Central Project saying it was "fantastic news".

A spokesman said: "The authority's insistence on adding a modern, overbearing extension to the roof would have destroyed its architectural integrity.

"We had also shared serious concerns with the authority that a potential restaurant development within the building would be unviable in view of nearby competition.

"We now hope the Railway Heritage Trust will consider grant support to the building owner Network Rail to ensure the structure does not deteriorate further."

The idea for the project was floated after the Lowestoft Town Deal was secured in 2021 to regenerate the town, drive economic growth and stimulate future investment.

Several schemes funded by the £24.9m are under way, including the transformation of the town’s former Post Office.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We have consistently supported this important initiative and remain open to selling the building.

"However, the sale of a railway property is a complex process that requires thorough cross-industry consultation and securing the necessary permissions from our regulator, which can take time.

"We remain enthusiastic about working with East Suffolk Council on this regeneration project, as well as other parties who may be interested in using the building."