A £1m scheme of works to restore a historic Victorian footbridge back to its former glory has been completed.

Having been closed off for more than three years the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft has finally reopened.

Lowestoft Journal: Cllr Paul Ashton, East Suffolk Council's Cabinet member for Assets and Corporate Services, and mayor of Lowestoft, Cllr Sonia Barker, at the reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesCllr Paul Ashton, East Suffolk Council's Cabinet member for Assets and Corporate Services, and mayor of Lowestoft, Cllr Sonia Barker, at the reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The 19th century iron bridge, which links North Parade to Belle Vue Park as it runs over The Ravine in Lowestoft, was unveiled on Monday (February 26) following an official opening.

Lowestoft Journal: The reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With extensive works to repair and refurbish the historic footbridge having been carried out since September 2022 the Grade II designated listed structure is once again open to pedestrians.

Lowestoft Journal: The reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

It comes after safety concerns were raised during an inspection in December 2020 - with the bridge having been temporarily closed ever since then.

Lowestoft Journal: The reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

In October 2021, East Suffolk Council and Lowestoft Town Council confirmed they were working together to finalise a "programme of repairs" to the Victorian footbridge, with plans lodged in December 2021.

Lowestoft Journal: The reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A month later East Suffolk's scrutiny committee assessed £1m of funding being allocated for structural works and refurbishment.

Lowestoft Journal: The reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The footbridge was built in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Lowestoft Journal: The reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

And on Monday, councillors, officials and workmen gathered to mark the completion of the Ravine bridge restoration project - with the original Victorian colour scheme prominent.

Lowestoft Journal: The reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft on The Ravine. Picture: Mick HowesThe reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft on The Ravine. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With works carried out by B & M McHugh Limited and Kevin Buttle of Technicus Consulting on behalf of East Suffolk Council, Mr Buttle said: "It's a grade two listed structure that has now had a full and thorough refurbishment."

Lowestoft Journal: Kevin Buttle, of Technicus Consulting, Cllr Paul Ashton, East Suffolk Council's Cabinet member for Assets and Corporate Services, and mayor of Lowestoft, Cllr Sonia Barker at the reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesKevin Buttle, of Technicus Consulting, Cllr Paul Ashton, East Suffolk Council's Cabinet member for Assets and Corporate Services, and mayor of Lowestoft, Cllr Sonia Barker at the reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Paul Ashton, East Suffolk council's cabinet member for assets and corporate services, said: "This has been an extensive and detailed refurbishment programme which has brought the bridge back into excellent condition.

"Not only is it now structurally sound, it also looks fantastic and the people of Lowestoft should be very proud."

Lowestoft Journal: The reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe reopening of the historic Jubilee Bridge in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Kerry Blair, head of operations at East Suffolk Council, added: "It is an important part of Lowestoft's heritage, a listed structure, that has been saved.

"People wanted to see it preserved and it has been restored to the original Victorian pea green colour."