A major project to transform the former Post Office building in Lowestoft into a dynamic new arts space is set to begin in early March 2025.

East Suffolk Council has appointed Ipswich-based Barnes Construction to carry out internal restoration and redevelopment of the Grade II listed building, which has been vacant since 2017.

The project will see the restoration of the main building and the auxiliary structures at the rear, covering more than 1,500 square metres of space. Work is expected to take around a year, with the new arts venue anticipated to open to the public by late Spring 2026.

In addition to the redevelopment, Barnes Construction will collaborate with local schools, colleges, and community groups to deliver a range of engagement activities. These initiatives will include skills workshops, charitable donations, and events aimed at involving local residents and children as part of the project’s social value commitments.

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The former Post Office building, purchased by East Suffolk Council, is part of an effort to boost cultural opportunities in Lowestoft while contributing to the regeneration of the town centre’s leisure and creative sectors.

Designed by Norwich-based architects Chaplin Farrant, the revamped space will host a rotating residency of international, national, and regional artists. It will feature exhibition spaces, work studios, a screening room, and a café with outdoor seating. The building will also provide a dedicated studio for renowned sculptor Laurence Edwards, an internationally celebrated artist originally from East Suffolk.

Edwards, who has previously created temporary installations such as Chthonic Head and Walking Man for the First Light Festival, has been commissioned by East Suffolk Council to design a permanent landmark sculpture for the town, with the final location to be confirmed.

The project has secured funding from East Suffolk Council, the Towns Fund and Arts Council England. This investment will enable the restoration of the historic building and transform it into a vibrant space for exhibitions and artistic creation. As part of the project, Messums East, who will manage the new arts centre, will work closely with partners to deliver community-focused engagement and skills opportunities for local residents.