Work to begin on former Post Office transformation - Barnes Construction

A major project to transform the former Post Office building in Lowestoft into an exciting new arts space is soon due to begin. 

East Suffolk Council has appointed Ipswich-based Barnes Construction to undertake internal restoration and redevelopment of the former Post Office, which has been vacant since 2017.  

Work will be undertaken across all areas of the site, covering the Grade II listed building and the auxiliary buildings at the rear. The total area to be redeveloped equates to more than 1,500 square metres. 

The works are expected to take a year to complete, with Barnes Construction commencing work from early March 2025. The new arts space will be open to the public from late Spring 2026. 

Barnes Construction will be working with stakeholders, schools, colleges and community groups to deliver an array of engagement events, skills, charitable donations and activities for local people and children to participate in as part of their social value commitments.   

The former Post Office was purchased by East Suffolk Council with the overall aim of enabling more cultural opportunities for people living and visiting the town and to help grow the town centre leisure and creative business.

Designed by Norwich-based architects Chaplin Farrant, the building will provide space for a revolving residency of international, national and regional artists, as well as exhibition spaces, work studios, a screening room and café with outdoor seating.

The former Post Office will be managed by Messums East, Arts specialists recognised for revitalising old buildings and embedding them within communities through artistic enterprise and creativity.  The building will provide a work studio for Laurence Edwards, an internationally renowned sculptor, who was born and raised in East Suffolk.

Laurence, who created the temporary installations of the Chthonic Head and Walking Man during the First Light Festival celebrations, has been co-commissioned by East Suffolk Council to create a permanent landmark sculpture for the town, location to be agreed.

The former Post Office project has secured funding from East Suffolk Council, Towns Fund and Arts Council England. This investment will enable the building to be restored and converted into a space that will bring amazing collections and exhibitions to the town and enable artists local and further afield to create and show work. As part of the project, Messums East and partners will deliver community engagement and skills opportunities for local people. 

Helen Johnson, East Suffolk Council’s Culture and Heritage Programme Manager, said:

“This is an important milestone in the journey towards this building’s transformation into an exciting new arts space.

“Work to the outside of the building has already been recognised for its quality and craftmanship – and we’re now looking forward to the inside taking shape.

“Once complete, the new venue will provide cultural opportunities and attract more visitors to the town.”

Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director of Barnes Construction said:

“We are delighted to have been appointed as the main contractor on two significant heritage buildings in Lowestoft.

“We are looking forward to working with East Suffolk Council, Chaplin Farrant and Messums to undertake the restoration and redevelopment of the former post office, which will breathe new life into such an important historical building. 

“Additionally, we are thrilled to have been appointed by Lowestoft Town Council to deliver the Town Hall Project. We feel privileged to be part of Lowestoft’s future legacy and be transforming the landscape of the town.”

Jerene Irwin, Director at Chaplin Farrant, said:

“Chaplin Farrant are pleased to be supporting East Suffolk Council on the redevelopment of this important historical building on the high street and look forward to working with the team to deliver the transformation the building deserves.”

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said:

“We are delighted to support the transformation of Lowestoft’s historic Post Office into a vibrant new arts venue. This project will not only conserve a much-loved heritage building but also create a cultural space that inspires creativity and brings people together.

“By providing local opportunities for skills development, education, and community engagement, we hope this initiative will help shape a thriving cultural and economic future for Lowestoft.”

The former Post Office project is one of many regenerative projects underway in the town, with a new seafront complex being built at Jubilee Parade, improvements at Royal Plain, Royal Green, South Quay Wharf and redevelopment of Battery Green car park and Customer Service Centre into a new cultural and community hub.

Restoration works have already been completed on the façade of the Grade II listed section of the former Post Office, as part of the London Road, Lowestoft High Street Heritage Action Zone, funded by Historic England and the Towns Fund.