North Lowestoft street scene
Lowestoft’s historic High Street and Scores will be revived through a five year Heritage Action Zone scheme run by Waveney District Council and Historic England © Paul Bradley
Lowestoft’s historic High Street and Scores will be revived through a five year Heritage Action Zone scheme run by Waveney District Council and Historic England © Paul Bradley

North Lowestoft Awarded Heritage Action Zone Status

Lowestoft’s historic High Street and Scores are one of eight new Heritage Action Zones announced on Tuesday 5 December by Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, John Glen.

The area, which is a conservation area at risk, will be revived through a five year scheme run by Waveney District Council and Historic England. At the heart of the Heritage Action Zone is the renewal of historic buildings and routes, the legacy of Lowestoft’s fishing past. 

The North Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone includes some of the oldest parts of the town. This was originally the main medieval settlement, grown around the fishing industry, with merchants’ housing and commercial premises lining the High Street on the clifftop, whilst the buildings associated with fishing, such as net stores and workers cottages were on the lower ground area by the sea. They were connected by the Scores, narrow pathways which linked the High Street to the sea. The area is home to many fine historic buildings, the oldest dating back to the 15th century, as well as the late 19th century registered park and garden, Belle Vue Park.

The scheme is being led by Waveney District Council, along with partners Lowestoft Town Council, East Suffolk Building Preservation Trust and Lowestoft Vision. The detailed delivery plan for the North Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone will now be prepared for delivery from spring 2018 onwards, and will identify any grant-funding to be provided by Historic England.

While the detailed plans are being worked up, you can share your memories and photos of the historic High Street, Scores and Beach Village by either tweeting @eastsuffolk and @HistoricEngland on Twitter using the hashtag #ScoresHAZ or by Enriching the List for the listed buildings in the area.

Editor's note: Information correct at time of original publication. In May 2023, 'Enriching the List' became the Missing Pieces Project. Find out more.

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