CONTEXT 175 : MARCH 2023 29 EAST ANGLIA COAST Specialist conservators have completed airlime repointing; consolidation; mortar repairs to the facade; the removal of algae, lichens, sulphation crusts and dirt; and a linseed oil surface coating to conserve the fabric of the building. These works return the building to a watertight and restored condition, which will enable the conversion of the entire site to take place from 2023. The HAZ-funded works are enabling a larger redevelopment of the Post Office complex into a visual arts space, while maintaining the significance of these historically important buildings in the heart of Lowestoft. The scheme is led by Messums, distinguished gallerists who are recognised for revitalising old buildings and embedding them within communities through artistic enterprise, and the internationally renowned sculptor Laurence Edwards, who was born and raised in East Suffolk.The hub, known as Messums East, will provide a working studio for Edwards; spaces for a revolving residency of international, national and regional artists; exhibition spaces; screening room; and a cafe. Edwards will also be working to create a largescale bronze landmark sculpture for Lowestoft. To help guide long-term ambitions for the areas, it has been essential to develop local planning policy to make sure that there is consistency in advice for residents, developers, and planning and conservation officers to secure the long-term benefits of these schemes. Public realm master plans have been developed to explore how public spaces could better be used and improved through investment, and two conservation area appraisals and management plans for Lowestoft have been updated. A HAZ design guide has been produced and adopted as a supplementary planning document to inform planning decisions. These documents and the Lowestoft Town Centre Master Plan provide a vision for future investment in the public realm, much of which will be brought forward outside the life of the heritage action zone schemes, but which will reflect heritage-led regeneration championed through these projects. Sharing knowledge and information about how to care for historic buildings, approaches to traditional construction, materials and repairs are important to the ethos of the HAZ schemes. We have held several sessions for the public with the support of specialist craftspeople to explore the principles of traditional repairs; using lime mortars; repairing original timber sashes; the use of linseed oil paint for historic joinery; flint repairs; and the importance of breathability in historic buildings. The heritage action zones work closely with businesses and the local community, supporting businesses through the pandemic with recovery grants, and working on community-driven schemes, including the creation of local gardening groups, poetry, memory recollection and local history archival study projects. The London Road, Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone was also awarded £90,000 of funding from Historic England to spend on cultural activities to make high streets more vibrant places to visit.With this funding, events, workshops and projects are being delivered from 2020 until 2024 by local cultural organisations. We have taken streets back in time to the 1940s and 1960s, worked with local partners to produce a bespoke theatre piece, and commissioned an award-winning spoken-word poet and renowned artist to create original pieces celebrating the significance of the Post Office to Lowestoft. More cultural activity is still to come, including a carnival, art trail and theatre production. We have found that using the high street as an event space for cultural and heritage experiences promotes activity in shopping areas. It has benefitted the local economy, with independent businesses receiving more shoppers during events, and return visits following activities. Lowestoft has heritage at its heart. The heritage action zones protect and celebrate the town’s rich architecture, history and culture, set the precedent for future development, and work with the local community to deliver schemes with a legacy. Rebecca Styles is heritage action zone project manager with East Suffolk Council (see page 46). Follow www.thinklowestoft. co.uk and #lowestofthaz on social media. The ground-floor fenestration of the former Post Office has been restored to its original appearance.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=