IT is Britain's most easterly point, but fails to capture the public's imagination in the same way as Land's End and John O'Groats at the other extremities of the country.

IT is Britain's most easterly point, but fails to capture the public's imagination in the same way as Land's End and John O'Groats at the other extremities of the country.

But plans to make Lowestoft's Ness Point a tourist destination in its own right are set to come under the spotlight later this month.

A new community park, caf�, footpaths, cultural events space, sculptures and an area for businesses linked to the burgeoning renewable energy sector are among the plans being proposed for the area.

The 1st East Urban Regeneration Company has joined forces with local councils to attract investment and make the dream become reality as part of its long-term plans to regenerate waterfront sites in Lowestoft.

Waveney District Council also wants to provide new cycle and pedestrian routes to and from Ness Point, along with better signage.

The council has made a �3.2m application for Heritage Lottery funding, available to coastal resorts, to help pay for this part of the project.

On January 20, Suffolk County Council's environment, waste management and economic development scrutiny committee will meet to discuss the proposals and the impact they will have on Lowestoft's economy and its people.

1st East says the plans for a new public park are part of a 10-15 year long-term plan while it is hoped the new business area, known as the 'Power Park' could be up and running within seven years.

This would look to build on Lowestoft's growing influence in the renewable energy sector, which was boosted last year with the opening of the Orbis Energy centre by the seafront.

Philip Watkins, chief executive of 1st East, said: 'We're working closely with Waveney District Council and our partners to bring forward the regeneration plans for the two areas around Ness Point - namely the longer term ambition to create an attractive park to the north of Ness Point and developing it as a tourist attraction, and the immediate priority to bring jobs to Lowestoft by developing a 'Power Park' centred on Orbis Energy, capitalising on the burgeoning renewable energy industry.

'We've been working with the council to develop short, medium and longer-term plans for the area as there are some environmental and landscaping improvements that can be done to improve access and the experience of visiting Ness Point.'

A report prepared for county councillors says: 'While Ness Point is the most easterly point of the United Kingdom, there is currently a limited tourist offer to attract visitors to the site.

'The proposal for Ness Point encompasses two main elements; improving the cultural/tourism offer and enhancing the business land use.'