Town Hall Update September 2023

From Jess - Town Hall Project Team (September 11 2023)

- We have applied to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for our stage 2 grant, waiting to hear in the Autumn

- More surveys of the building have been underway. A lot of dry rot/potential dry rot detected, worse than we feared, so it’s imperative to keep moving with repairs and restoration

- Major strip out and repair work happening from mid August, which should help to reduce the conditions that cause dry rot (ie water getting in), but we’ll still need to spend money eliminating existing rot  

- if we get the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, Lowestoft Town Council would need to apply for a loan to cover their contribution. This wouldn’t affect the precept, but is essential to ensure the project is fully funded and can go ahead.

-Listed building and planning consent have been applied for. No concerns from statutory consultees. Should be determined shortly.

- still full steam ahead for, (subject to successful funding) a main contractor to be appointed in the spring, and the Town Hall to open in late 2025

- heritage activities have been undertaken by Jess Johnston over the summer months to raise awareness about the Town Hall Project and also local heritage. Eg. Attendance at Food In School Holidays events running heritage themed craft activities, First Light Festival  and 1880s weekend.