Parts of Lowestoft by the harbour and Lake Lothing are to be regenerated

AMBITIOUS plans have been adopted to transform swathes of Lowestoft’s rundown waterfront areas and former industrial sites into thriving centres for the town by 2021.

The Lowestoft Lake Lothing and Outer Harbour Area Action Plan wants to create at least 950 jobs, particularly in the energy sector, deliver 1,500 new homes, improve the town centre by the train station, promote sustainable transport and improve connections between north and south Lowestoft and the waterfront.

Also included in the major regeneration scheme, which covers 600 acres of land and is part of the local development framework plan, are a new primary school and new retail and food outlets.

The action plan is now ready to click into gear after it was adopted by Waveney District Council following approval by the Planning Inspectorate.

Colin Law, the leader of Waveney District Council, said: “Adoption of the action plan is the final piece in the jigsaw for this exhaustive and hugely important piece of work.

“The future of Lowestoft looks really bright now, and added to recent announcements, such as the enterprise-zone status and those related to the offshore wind and energy sector, this is a truly exciting time for the town.”

It is also predicted another 4,000 jobs will be indirectly created from the plan, which according to a council document is a “real opportunity to raise the attainment and skills of young people” in Lowestoft and will create a “vibrant heart” in the town.