As the owner of Lowestoft Magistrates' Court asks for the public's input on its future, readers have been having their say on its replacement.

Businessman Peter Colby, who owns Peter Colby Commercials, struck a deal to buy the court last year and is keen to bring it back into use for the community.

The site has not been used since its closure in 2016 due to widespread cutbacks, but Mr Colby has expressed his determination to 'create meaningful jobs' for the people of Lowestoft.

East Anglian Daily Times: Peter Colby at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Victoria PertusaPeter Colby at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

Among his own ideas are a medical centre, sports facilities or office space for those working offshore, and now the 77-year-old wants those who live and work in the town to come forward with their suggestions.

With the court's future up for debate, we asked what you would like to see occupying the premises and there was a clear winner.

East Anglian Daily Times: Readers have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Thomas ChapmanReaders have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

Nearly a third of voters (31pc) said they would like to see the magistrates' court replaced by a medical facility.

The town has been without a significant medical centre since the closure of Lowestoft Hospital in 2016 and, although its buyer vowed to be 'sympathetic' to its history, it seems the site on Tennyson Road is destined to host new homes.

East Anglian Daily Times: Readers have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Victoria PertusaReaders have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

Second place in our poll was shared by calls for a nightclub or a leisure complex, both notching 12pc of the vote, while 11pc said the court should be turned into a community centre.

A restaurant or pub was the ideal choice for 8pc of voters and another 8pc said something other than the suggested options should be considered.

East Anglian Daily Times: Readers have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Thomas ChapmanReaders have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

Retail outlets, housing, sports facilities, office space and an antiques centre received 5pc of the votes or less.

East Anglian Daily Times: Readers have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Victoria PertusaReaders have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Readers have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Victoria PertusaReaders have been having their say on what should replace Lowestoft Magistrates' Court. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)