A scheme to transform Britain's most easterly point and turn it into a landmark destination is set to be progressed in the coming months.

The plans to turn Ness Point in Lowestoft into a true visitor attraction – making it a landmark tourist destination to rival Land's End and John O'Groats – will see a new park and gateway unveiled this year.

The Ness – Lowestoft's most easterly park – will celebrate the town's unique position with the development of a new park in the north of the town below its historic Lighthouse.

This year The Ness will be established next to Birds Eye in Whapload Road, delivering a new gateway to Ness Point. The site will be regenerated with £1m secured from the Coastal Community Fund.

It comes after Waveney District Council, businesses and community groups were successful in their funding bid from the Department of Communities and Local Government to regenerate the North Denes area of Lowestoft – where the old Beach Village once stood – and promote The Ness in Lowestoft, formerly known as the East of England Park.

The location also includes the seafront walkway and the most easterly point in the UK, with further plans to develop a public artwork at Ness Point, making it a cardinal point destination in line with Lands' End and John O'Groats.

The Ness will improve access, knowledge, participation and enjoyment of the north Lowestoft area and its unique maritime heritage.

Following consultation with businesses and the local community, Lowestoft Town Council and Waveney District Council are working in partnership as they aim to secure the future of the net drying racks which were used by the fishing industry.

They aim to create a play and picnic area and celebrate the history of the Denes, including The Grit – Lowestoft's lost Beach Village, naval bases, The Scores and historic High Street.

Mayor of Lowestoft, Ian Graham, said: 'Lowestoft is a town that exists because of the sea.

'The Ness will celebrate not only how that relationship with the sea has affected the town's landscape and history but also how it continues to shape the future of the town with a new generation of industries, such as CEFAS, offshore windfarms and environmental businesses as well as tourism.

'We hope that The Ness will provide an illuminating and enjoyable entrance to Ness Point.'

Background

The Ness will be naturally landscaped to maintain its heritage features with improved cycling and pedestrian access to the sea wall and the coastal path. An events programme is being developed to include festivals and heritage/educational events along with markets arranged by both community groups and professional organisations.

Project activities for sports and leisure will be developed alongside the cultural offer.

The park, which will be completed by December 2019, will not see the site overdeveloped. A spokesman said: 'The area is a haven for wildlife with some unique flora and fauna and is enjoyed by local people as a wild landscape which is a complement to the offer in south Lowestoft.'

For further information visit www.lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk/local-information/the-ness/

If you have a community event and would like to make use of The Ness email admin@lowestofttowncouncil.uk