Tower block boarded up ahead of demolition

Windows and doors in the lower storeys of a town's only tower block have been boarded up as preparations begin to demolish the building in the spring.

The 90 flats at St Peter's Court in Lowestoft, Suffolk, were vacated earlier this year and all residents were offered alternative accommodation elsewhere in the seaside town.

A spokesperson for East Suffolk Council, which owns the building, said: "Preparatory works for the demolition are now under way and we hope to commence the main demolition in spring 2025."

According to council documents the transfer of residents from the 16-storey high-rise was completed earlier than anticipated at a cost of £79,000.

A survey in 2023 revealed more renovations would be needed at huge cost.

According to the council, initial estimates indicated the repair cost for St Peter's Court would have been almost £8.8m in year one.

David Beavan, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for housing, said: "All the residents have moved out and the thing I'm really pleased about is that we did promise to offer everybody there a place in Lowestoft and the housing department has worked really hard and they have managed to do that.

"We now need to get it down and look at what to put up in its place.

"My opinion is that we don't want another 16-storey building there, so we will be looking at a lower-rise structure.

"But we do need density so we are coming up with a plan that will be imaginative and good for the environment."

Figures from the council suggested a medium-density housing scheme could provide a return on the investment after 25 years.

A regeneration project team has been created to consider all potential options for the site and these are expected to be presented to the council's cabinet for consideration next year.

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