Facelift hope for Lowestoft station

A PLANNING application which would see a facelift for Lowestoft Station's sad, neglected outer fa�ade could soon be in the pipeline.Waveney MP Bob Blizzard was told the news by Network Rail at last Thursday's meeting in the House of Commons which he called to address the eyesore in the centre of town, neglected for years by the railway company.

A PLANNING application which would see a facelift for Lowestoft Station's sad, neglected outer fa�ade could soon be in the pipeline.

Waveney MP Bob Blizzard was told the news by Network Rail at last Thursday's meeting in the House of Commons which he called to address the eyesore in the centre of town, neglected for years by the railway company.

It was revealed that Network Rail is in active discussion with a developer that will hopefully see a new retail/leisure use in the redundant part of the station building.

'This would see the restoration of the derelict aspects of the station and bring new interest and jobs to the town centre,' said Mr Blizzard.

'If all goes well we could see a planning application within six months, once the necessary railway regulatory processes are completed. However, I made it clear that if this does not materialise, the people of Lowestoft expect Network Rail to spend some money themselves to improve the appearance of the station. Network Rail accepted this. The proposal by Lowestoft artist, Jonathan Andersson to paint pictures on the boarded up windows was also discussed in this context.'

'I do hope a quality development can go ahead, but either way we cannot accept the current condition of Lowestoft Station.' added Mr Blizzard.