How you can help shape the future of Central Lowestoft

The Pride in Place neighbourhood board for central Lowestoft is continuing to steer the town's £20 million transformation as part of the government’s Pride in Place programme.

After central Lowestoft was selected as one of 284 areas receiving up to £2m per year, a new board was appointed in the summer to oversee the programme, which gives 10 years of funding and decision-making power to communities.

Eight of the nine members of the Pride in Place neighbourhood board for central Lowestoft. (Image: Pride in Pace neighbourhood board for Lowestoft)

Last week the Government approved the board's request to extend the Central Lowestoft Pride in Place boundary, bringing even more of the town into the programme.

The new boundary takes in both sides and the full length of Lowestoft town centre and historic high street, along with further places that matter locally.

The newly approved Central Lowestoft Pride in Place boundary map. Image: Pride in Place neighbourhood board for Lowestoft (Image: Pride in Place neighbourhood board for Lowestoft)

And now a survey has been launched to gather your views on how to best use £20 million from the Pride in Place fund, with the investment delivered over the next 10 years.

Locals, businesses and community organisations are being urged to have their say - with people able to complete the survey in person during a drop-in session from 10am to 2pm today (Tuesday, October 20) at the former NatWest bank at 53 London Road North in Lowestoft town centre.

Mel McGee, independent chair of the Central Lowestoft Neighbourhood Board, said: "This is Lowestoft's money and we want the people who know the town best to tell us where it should go.

Mel McGee (Image: Supplied)

"What do you love about Central Lowestoft?

"What frustrates you?

"What would you change if it were up to you?

Lowestoft town centre, inset, the new independent chair of Lowestoft's £20m Pride in Place programme, Mel McGee. Image: Newsquest/Jess Asato's office (Image: Newsquest/Jess Asato's office)

"There are no right or wrong answers and it takes five minutes.

"If you have any connection to Central Lowestoft, please take part."

The survey is asking people what they value about Central Lowestoft, the challenges they see, their vision for the area, and suggestions for how the £20 million could be used.

Anyone aged 14 or over is encouraged to take part, with the survey closing on Friday, November 6.

Around 18,000 households across Central Lowestoft will receive a paper copy of the survey this week, with copies also available at Lowestoft Library, Lowestoft Job Centre and East Coast College.

Signage in Lowestoft. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Alternatively visit its website or complete an online survey via https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/QW3KFKC.