An iconic building on Lowestoft’s seafront has been given a new lease of life.
East Point Pavilion, which has stood empty since the tourist information centre and eateries moved out last year, is now home to Niblets café and family soft play park.
The businesses have been opened by Glen Whitbread and his partner Amy Petitt, who have been running Nibbles restaurant in Bevan Street East for the past six years.
Mr Whitbread, 42, said: “It was just sitting here doing nothing and when we saw it advertised we had a look inside and we came up with this idea.
“It’s a brilliant spot right in the middle of town and we have opened just in time to get the summer trade.”
The couple officially launched their new venture on Tuesday, inviting customers in for the first time to try their homemade cakes, sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes.
They have also extended the children’s play park inside to provide a soft play area for under fours with a ball pit, colourful play mats and toys. Play supervisor Clare Strachan said a lot of hard work had gone into the relaunch and said they are also utilising the pavilion’s rigging play area which was already in place and suitable for children up to 12.
Both facilities will be open from 9am to 9pm seven days a week, to make them accessible to all. The play park is also available to hire out.
Mr Whitbread said: “We got the keys seven days ago so it has been a quick turnaround getting it ready. Most of the work has been done by friends and it has been a bit manic, but we are really pleased with how it looks.”
The glass, Edwardian-style building, off Royal Plain, was previously home to the tourist information centre, which closed in April 2016. It was also recently occupied by Eros coffee, Fri-day Keables Fish and Chips and the SaltGrass Mexican restaurant.
A special cake to mark the opening was made by friend Mary Bourton.
For more information, search for Niblets Family Soft Play Park and Café on Facebook.
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