Arts projects set to transform town centre space

The former Tesco in Lowestoft will be transformed into a new arts space

Several cultural projects are to be brought to life following substantial investment from Arts Council England.

Three projects in Lowestoft, Suffolk have been awarded funding by the body.

One will see a former Tesco site transformed into a creative hub while a former post office will similarly be turned into work studio spaces.

Hazel Edwards, the south east director at Arts Council England, said the funding would help "nurture a more vibrant and accessible cultural landscape for all".

"We are pleased to help bolster cultural investment throughout East Suffolk thanks to the Capital Investment Programme and Place Partnership Fund," Ms Edwards added.

"By enhancing the infrastructure of cultural spaces across the region we are expanding access to arts, culture, and creative pursuits."

'Fire up ideas'

The first project has seen First Light Festival CIC awarded £700,000 for the so-called Battery of Ideas.

"It will bring together a consortium of leading cultural, education and creative health partners to test ideas for the development of the new cultural quarter" in the town centre, according to an East Suffolk Council spokesperson.

The authority, along with the county council, will also invest a further £300,000 and the project will see the re-use of the former Tesco on London Road North as its base.

Genevieve Christie, chief executive at First Light Festival CIC, said it was "thrilled" the project would start this spring.

"The Battery testing space will fire up ideas, enthusiasm and involvement, grow public awareness of the new Cultural Quarter development and create a step change in creative production and cultural participation in Lowestoft," she added.

The new space inside the former post office will open by the autumn of 2025

The local council itself has also been awarded £600,000 to turn the post office also on London Road North into a landmark arts venue.

The money will help convert the building into studios, galleries, educational spaces and accommodation.

It is estimated that this space will be open to the public from the autumn of 2025.

The investment from Arts Council England will also help provide other physical spaces where more people in the town can enjoy creative experiences.

The council hopes it will help revitalise the town centre "by offering an exciting alternative use to these former retail buildings".

'Raising aspirations'

East Norfolk Sixth Form College has also secured funding from the Place Partnership to deliver more cultural opportunities for schools and younger people living in Lowestoft as well as Great Yarmouth.

Principal Dr Catherine Richards said the money was "essential" in helping provide opportunities to inspire young people in both areas.

"By delivering more arts and cultural experiences, we can continue our work to raising the aspirations and wellbeing of our local communities," she added.