Big Funding Boost for Lowestoft's Town Hall

More than a million pounds of funding has been secured to help restore Lowestoft’s Town Hall.

It’s a huge boost for the project - with work on the building is set to begin next month - and the Town Hall reopening in Summer 2026.

Once completed - the iconic High Street building will include a heritage hub, gallery space with a changing programme of exhibitions and events, wedding and reception venue with catering facilities, co-working space for sole traders and small businesses, a café.

The Town Hall will also become the home for Lowestoft Town Council, hosting the Council meetings and staff offices and Suffolk Registrars. 

The increased award will see an additional £1.2million in grant funding to help revitalise the iconic Town Hall and bring it back into community use.  This follows on from the initial grant of £3,257,512 from the Heritage Fund announced in September 2023, bringing the total funding to £4,457,512. 

Cllr Nasima Begum, Mayor of Lowestoft said “I am delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund have increased their support to help bring the Town Hall back into use. It is fitting that this announcement comes on the Heritage Fund’s Heritage Treasures Day as we aim to restore our own heritage treasure, which holds such a special place for so many local people.  On behalf of Lowestoft Town Council, I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to this project by responding to consultations, engaging with our heritage events and through bringing their expertise and passion.”  

Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We’re excited to be supporting Lowestoft Town Council with a significant grant to transform the Town Hall. Thanks to National Lottery players and total funding of nearly £4.5million, the communities of Lowestoft and beyond are seeing a local landmark be revitalised into a bustling community space.” 

 With this funding now in place, and with the support of other funders, work on the building is set to begin in February 2025 with the Town Hall reopening in Summer 2026. 

 The work will see the Town Hall renovated with provision for a compelling and innovative heritage hub, gallery space with a changing programme of exhibitions and events, wedding and reception venue with catering facilities, co-working space for sole traders and small businesses, a café, and additional community event space.  Improving the accessibility to the Town Hall is included within the plans with a more open reception area, accessible toilet facilities, including a Changing Places room and a lift.  The Town Hall will also become the home for Lowestoft Town Council, hosting the Council meetings and staff offices and Suffolk Registrars. 

The Lowestoft Town Hall Project is a Lowestoft Town Council initiative supported by National Lottery players via The National Lottery Heritage Fund.  Other significant funders for the regeneration include Towns Fund and East Suffolk Council.