By David LennardTHE north Suffolk economy received a welcome jobs boost last night when a £2.5million scheme to develop five acres of riverside in Lowestoft was given the go-ahead.

By David Lennard

THE north Suffolk economy received a welcome jobs boost last night when a £2.5million scheme to develop five acres of riverside in Lowestoft was given the go-ahead.

Under the plan, the regenerated Riverside Business Park at a former canning factory at Lake Lothing will become the first venue in Europe to sell all products produced by multi-national company Honda.

PFK Ling Limited, a company with more than 40 years' experience representing Honda motorcycles and power equipment franchises, are behind the scheme.

A company spokesman said it would have “massive national and international” significance. “The multi-million-pound investment shows Ling's confidence in the future of Lowestoft and supporting the town's long-term growth,” he added.

“It is the intention of PFK Ling Limited to design and build a unique solus Honda Brand Centre which will be the first of its kind in Europe to encompass every product produced by Honda.”

The new centre will bring together cars, motorcycles, power equipment including lawnmowers, and four-wheeled bikes, outboard motors and waterbikes. It is anticipated up to 60 jobs will also be created.

Members of Waveney District Council's Lowestoft area development control committee approved the plan at their meeting last night.

Councillors were told early approval was being sought as it was hoped that work on the £2.5m project could begin as early as next month, with the new centre possibly up and running by the end of the year.

The new scheme will form part of a major regeneration of Lowestoft as both a business and tourism centre.

Along with initiatives to encourage more companies to base themselves in the Lowestoft region, the town centre and beach area is currently undergoing a £14.7m revamp as part of the Waveney Sunrise Scheme.

david.lennard@eadt.co.uk