TOWN CENTRES
Lowestoft deserves a town centre that reflects the pride people have in our community. That means creating places where businesses can thrive, people want to spend time, and our historic town centre has a bright future.
That is why I campaigned to bring Pride in Place funding to Lowestoft, making the case for long-term investment in our town centre. I was delighted when the Government confirmed £20 million for Lowestoft Central, with £2 million a year being invested over the next decade to support regeneration, improve public spaces and create a thriving town centre that works for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
Securing the funding was only the first step. From the outset, I wanted to make sure local people helped shape how it would be spent. I wrote to more than 5,000 households across the area, inviting residents to complete a survey and attend a public meeting that I held at St Andrews Church, so they could share their priorities for the future of Lowestoft. Every response has now been passed to the Pride in Place Board, ensuring its work begins with the views and ambitions of the community.
With the Chair and Board now in place, the focus turns to delivery. I will continue working closely with Board members, local businesses, community organisations and residents to help turn that investment into real improvements that people can see and feel over the coming years.
But regeneration is about more than major investment programmes. It is also about getting the everyday basics right. I have continued to press for cleaner streets and better maintenance, including action to tackle the ongoing kittiwake mess along London Road North, while consistently raising the need for better public toilets and other facilities that make our town centre more welcoming for everyone.
A successful town centre also depends on businesses having the confidence to invest. That is why I have worked closely with local traders, Suffolk Police and Trading Standards to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, rogue traders, counterfeit goods and illegal activity, helping create a safer and more welcoming environment for businesses, residents and visitors.
I have also worked to protect and celebrate Lowestoft’s heritage, bringing together Historic England and local campaigners to help secure the right long-term future for the Crown Hotel, an important historic building at the heart of our Historic High Street.
Alongside Pride in Place, I sit on the Lowestoft Place Board, working with partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors to coordinate regeneration, unlock investment and help shape a long-term vision for the town’s future. I also continue to support wider regeneration projects, including the Cultural Quarter and seafront improvements, ensuring they complement the broader transformation taking place across Lowestoft.
Lowestoft has incredible potential. Pride in Place gives us the opportunity to shape our town for the next generation, and I will continue working to ensure that investment strengthens our high streets, supports local businesses and creates town centres that our whole community can be proud of.