Messums East

in Lowestoft. Opening in 2026

THE OLD POST OFFICE

Imagine if a building that was once at the heart of a community could be there once more providing free

access to the visual arts, creativity and inspiration.

Saved from demolition and restored in partnership with the Local Council and English Heritage the Old Post

Office space will be reimagined as a creative space for all, opening its doors in the summer of 2026.

A future described

by creativity

Open to the public 5 days a week, free to access

PUBLIC REALM - Ground Floor

• Commercial exhibition

space run by Messums Org

• Year-round programming

• Atrium for sculpture

• Screening room

• Café and shop

• Bookstore

• GIS Loan Gallery

FOUNDATION - First & Second Floor

• 8 studio spaces

• 4 residential spaces

• Communal space for artists

in residence / private events

• Office space

• Classroom

• Interactive workshop

• Printing Room

Sustainability

and Engagement

The entire gallery will provide free to access art for all - for those who engage with art and for those who do not currently have these opportunities.

It will create a culture of awareness of community and of shared histories with the past, the present environment and the future.

Environmental sustainability has driven the thinking with the process of restoration starting with the avoidance of demolition of the Post Office building.

"I am delighted to support the proposal to make Lowestoft Post Office into a major cultural flagship, driving positive economic and social change in the town and the county. Suffolk has many cultural flagships, including Britten Pears Arts, DanceEast, Gainsborough's House, New Wolsey Theatre. We do not have a significant centre for the contemporary visual arts; it is an acknowledged gap that Lowestoft can now own and lead on. The key drivers in successful cultural development are partnerships between entrepreneurs, exceptionally talented local people and the public sector. This proposal is underpinned by those key drivers; Messums and Laurence Edwards working with East Suffolk County Council."

Jayne Knight, Arts Development Manager, Suffolk County Council.

"After the amazing success of the December workshop, we were determined to bring more opportunities to Lowestoft from the exciting partnership with Messums. We are passionate about spreading participation in the arts in all its forms, and we know from many years experience that participation in workshops like this one brings enormous benefits in wellbeing and happiness. The development of the former Post Office building in to Messums East will bring amazing opportunities for Lowestoft residents to get involved and we want to start showcasing these through our workshop programme."