A restoration project has won a conservation award for bringing life back to a 19th century building in Lowestoft town centre.

The former Post Office on London Road, which was restored last year, won first place in the conservation category at East Suffolk Council's Quality of Place awards.

The Grade II listed building has been closed and vacant since 2018 when it was bought by the council as part of plans to regenerate the town centre. 

Local contractor R G Carter started restoration works to the building in early 2022, working with architects Chaplin Farrant and Kings and Dunne, and heritage specialists to restore the external façade of the landmark property.  

Lowestoft Journal: The restored Lowestoft Post Office building has won a conservation award. The restored Lowestoft Post Office building has won a conservation award. (Image: RG Carter)

READ MORE: Former post office to be transformed into creative hub

The completed works included over 60 sash windows refurbished and restored by carpenters from R G Carter, with Oak Hill stripping and preserving each frame with traditional linseed oil.  

The roof was also reinstated with natural Welsh slates and the ground floor restored to its original appearance. 

The conservation to the external fabric of the building, led by Aldis & May, started with steam cleaning all three storeys of stonework, followed by air lime repointing, consolidation and mortar repairs to walls and decorative features such as cornices and balusters, as well as removing algae, sulphation crusts, dirt, and a linseed oil surface coating.  

READ MORE: What next for former post office building in Lowestoft?

Lowestoft Journal: Restored stone columns at Lowestoft's Grade II listed Post Office. Restored stone columns at Lowestoft's Grade II listed Post Office. (Image: RG Carter)

Gavin Leeks, from R G Carter, said: “We are delighted that the Post Office has received this conservation award in recognition of the craftmanship and commitment of everyone involved.

"It has been an honour to be part of this unique project and to play our part in bringing this important local building back to its former glory and preserve the rich architectural heritage in Lowestoft.” 

Lowestoft Journal: VA stone carved lettering above the door of Lowestoft's restored 19th century Post Office. VA stone carved lettering above the door of Lowestoft's restored 19th century Post Office. (Image: RG Carter)

A conversion phase will begin next year for the Post Office to become a new cultural arts space run by Messums, recognised for revitalising old buildings and embedding them within communities.