Culture ideas being trialled for new town quarter

Sarah Whitelock, an East Suffolk councillor, said it was important for the town to build on what it already had

A disused supermarket has been transformed as part of a project to regenerate a coastal town and encourage cultural development.

A former Tesco site is being turned into a creative hub in Lowestoft, Suffolk, as part of plans for a new cultural quarter in the town.

Led by First Light Festival and in partnership with East Suffolk Council, the Battery of Ideas project has been trying out new activities to see what will appeal to people.

These have included live performances, visual art exhibitions and installations, which the council's Green Party member, Sarah Whitelock, said would be used to "build on what is already here in terms of culture".

Different ideas and activities are being tried out in the town

"We are testing different types of culture so we can see what is working best and what the people of Lowestoft want to come to," Ms Whitelock, the council's cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, said.

"It is hugely important that what we introduce builds on what is already here in terms of culture."

She said the project aimed to "improve the economic prospects" of the town and create opportunities for young people and tourism.

Sue Lawson has been enjoying some of the new activities at the hub

The cultural quarter development is expected to open in 2027, offering a range of culture, restaurants, leisure facilities and places to relax.

Alyson Tipping, executive director at First Light Festival, said the trial activities were encouraging people to "experience new and different things".

Sue Lawson, who took part in a craft session catering for adults experiencing social isolation, said she was a carer for her father and with a "background in art" she "jumped at the chance" to take part.

"Sometimes I get quite stressed and I come down, and however I am is fine, and that's quite important to me," she said.

"I've seen some people really blossom.

"The first week, head down - they just don't talk - and now they're joking and laughing with people - that's special."

Alyson Tipping said the activities were accessible and well-used

Ms Tipping said First Light was working alongside about 20 other partners to deliver different culture activities and "testing ideas and seeing what works and does not work".

"What has worked really well is having a space that is street-level so people can access it," she said, talking about hosting the project in a supermarket building.

Ms Whitelock added that when the cultural quarter was developed it "could be a beacon for Lowestoft because so much will be going on here".