Works to restore a historic Grade II listed building are drawing to a close.
Having been closed and remained vacant since 2018, a scheme of work to repair the historic character of Lowestoft’s former Post Office has been continuing since January, as part of an ongoing programme to unlock the potential of historic high streets.
And as the scaffolding begins to come down at the former Post Office on London Road North, a celebratory evening is being held next week to mark the history and progress made at the building.
Join the London Road, Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone and First Light Festival teams at East Point Pavilion on Tuesday, November 22, from 5.30pm to 7pm, for the free event.
Locals can hear about the restoration work that has taken place at the former Post Office, owned by East Suffolk Council.
Award-winning Suffolk poet, Luke Wright will perform a new, original elegy to this beautiful historic building.
Tickets are free for the event but people are asked to register their attendance by searching 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered… Restored' on Eventbrite.
Extensive restoration works to the exterior of the Grade II listed building - funded by the London Road, Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone and the Towns Fund - have taken place, including re-roofing, repairing and redecorating sash windows, stone and mortar repairs, as well as reinstating the original design of the ground floor frontage.
As part of the Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme, First Light Festival commissioned poet Luke Wright and artist Lucinda Rogers.
After research and conversations with former Post Office staff, Mr Wright has created a poem commemorating it to be performed for the first time at the event.
The poem has also been published in a book, with a drawing by the artist of the restored Post Office forming part of it.
Genevieve Christie, chief executive of First Light Festival, will speak about this cultural commission and launch the book at the event.
Mrs Christie said: "This was a fascinating project to be involved in, and it’s been wonderful to be able to commission a cultural offering to sit alongside this important piece of redevelopment work for Lowestoft."
Craig Rivett, East Suffolk Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for Economic Development, said: "The work to restore the former Post Office has dramatically improved its appearance and will ensure this prominent building can be enjoyed for years to come."
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