Construction work on Lowestoft Town Hall regeneration project begins - Barnes Construction

The first major construction milestone for the Town Hall regeneration project has begun following Lowestoft Town Council’s appointment of Barnes Construction to undertake the main construction work. 

The work will initially see the installation of scaffolding around the building which will take several weeks and marks the first visual signs of work on the Town Hall which will open in late 2026.  This follows an extensive period of public consultation on the future use of the Town Hall and its designs, which have been finalised by HAT Projects, and work to secure external funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Towns Fund and East Suffolk Council.

The work to renovate the Town Hall will provide a compelling and innovative heritage exhibition, 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 lifts.  The Town Hall will also become the home for Lowestoft Town Council, hosting the Council meetings and staff offices, and Suffolk Registrars.  Once completed, the Town Hall will be a major employer in the area alongside offering apprenticeship opportunities.  During the construction stage, the project will also be a major local employer with Barnes Construction committed to ensuring local people are involved, whilst there will also be opportunities for work placements with opportunities for six people to learn about heritage building techniques.

Cllr Nasima Begum, Mayor of Lowestoft said,

“With scaffolding going up around the Town Hall, it is an exciting time for Lowestoft as this project comes to fruition.  I am grateful to everyone who has contributed towards this project, including members of the public for their support along the way, and all our funding partners.”

Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director of Barnes Construction said:

“We are thrilled to have been appointed by Lowestoft Town Council to deliver the refurbishment of the Town Hall and restore its community focus. We are privileged to have been entrusted with such a significant opportunity to ensure that the civic benefits are felt widely and deeply.  It’s an exciting chapter for the future landscape of the town and we are incredibly pleased to be a part of it”.

Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“We’re excited for construction work to get underway at Lowestoft Town Hall. Thanks to National Lottery players, who have made possible total funding from us of nearly £4.5million, the communities of Lowestoft and beyond will see a local landmark be revitalised into a bustling community space that celebrates local culture.”

Cllr Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council and Heritage Champion, said:

“This is a big step in the regeneration of Lowestoft Town Hall and its transformation into a multifunctional space for the community.  East Suffolk Council has shown its support for the project through direct investment of £1.2million to help breathe new life into the building and welcome the public back through its doors.”

Throughout the project, Barnes Construction will be holding several drop-in sessions to given members of the public the opportunity to ask questions on the project and to have any questions or queries answered. 

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.