A number of redevelopment options are being discussed for an iconic seafront pavilion.
It comes as work to regenerate the south beach area of Lowestoft is continuing to progress well, with several key projects now under way.
In July last year Waveney District Council agreed to spend up to £30,000 to explore proposals to demolish East Point Pavilion and replace it with a new landmark building.
After opening on Lowestoft's Royal Plain in 1993, over the years the East Point Pavilion has been home to the tourist information centre, as well as housing restaurants, children's soft play and pay to use toilets.
But after a survey revealed that £546,000 worth of work was needed to bring the building back into working order, the council approved funding to look at proposals to demolish and replace it.
This week a council spokesman said: 'A number of redevelopment options are being discussed for the East Point Pavilion.'
The building, and surrounding seafront area, has been identified as a key site for the Lowestoft Seafront Vision – a project being developed by international designer Wayne Hemingway on behalf of the council to regenerate the south beach area and highlight the opportunities that the seafront presents.
The council spokesman said: 'The seafront, in particular the South Beach, is the main tourist attraction for the town with the award-winning beach providing a huge draw to the majority of the 1.2m visitors who come here each year.
'Through new facilities, events and attractions, there is potential to broaden and enhance the visitor experience and encourage visitors to spend the day, or longer.'
As part of the regeneration plans, it is hoped that greater use could be made of the public spaces along the seafront, such as the Royal Plain and Royal Green. The council spokesman said: 'These spaces could be enhanced to allow more seasonal events, food and street markets, and summer evening events which accord with the licence for the public space.
'To help make our seafront a lively visitor destination, we're looking for bold and exciting new concession providers for the 2019 season and beyond.
'As well as street food and drink vendors, we're looking for people interested in providing water sports, children's activities, deckchair hire, outdoor sports and exercise classes, artists and more.'
New festival
One of the main projects from the seafront vision was the creation of a brand new festival for Lowestoft, celebrating the town's most easterly location. The First Light Festival, a free 24-hour multi-arts festival, will begin at noon on Saturday, June 22.
Another project, to introduce new signage along the seafront, was completed in 2018.
New 'wayfinding' signs were installed early last year, encouraging visitors to explore the seafront and the surrounding destinations from Pakefield to Ness Point.
Refurbishments are also under way on the former lifeguard station on the promenade near to Children's Corner.
Before being used as a lifeguard station, the 1930s shelter enabled people to sit and enjoy unspoilt views of the coast. When complete, the shelter will once again provide a space for visitors and the community to enjoy, and to take pride in.
The council spokesman added: 'We're also open to ideas and so if you have a unique business that you feel would attract people to the seafront, please get in touch.'
Visit www.lowestoftsouthbeach.co.uk/commercial-opportunities for further details.
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