Redevelopment
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Press Release from Lowestoft Town Council, dated 23rd April 2025
A major milestone has been marked in the redevelopment of a historic east coast theatre.
The vision for a £3m revamp of the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft is gathering pace with the demolition phase nearing completion.
Lowestoft Town Council, the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk Council said significant progress had been made in its ongoing upgrade works.
Ongoing works at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes. It will see a new theatre entrance created within a new link building between the existing Victorian theatre and the more modern existing box office.
The new link building will incorporate a lift - giving access for all visitors to all floors of the theatre - new toilets and a relocated and expanded box office facility.
Ground works have now been finished, paving the way for the installation of a steel-reinforced cage for the new lift, which will enhance accessibility for all theatre users.
With works ongoing, a temporary front of house area has been created alongside a temporary buggy store to ensure minimal disruption.
The Marina Theatre and its café remains open for business as usual in Lowestoft. Picture:
The Marina Theatre and its café remains open for business as usual during this time.
The mayor of Lowestoft and town councillor Nasima Begum, said: "It is great to hear that the works on the Marina Theatre are progressing well.
"We appreciate the community's support and patience as we work with the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk to improve the facilities."
Sam Vallerius, General Manager of the Marina Theatre said: "We would like to thank our loyal customers who have been so understanding and patient on their visits to us.
"We look forward to seeing the works progress as we move towards a closure period in the middle of June."
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: "These improvements have been funded through Lowestoft’s £24.9m allocation from the Government’s Towns Fund, secured by East Suffolk Council and we are pleased to see them move towards the next stage."
The Marina Theatre Project is a Lowestoft Town Council scheme, in partnership with the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk Council, with funding from UK Government’s Towns Fund.
It is owned by the town council.
2nd December 2024
Big things are happening here at the Marina.
As you may have seen a redevelopment project has begun at the theatre which will incorporate, among other things, a change to the layout of some of the seating in the auditorium. This is a big task, and we are currently awaiting an updated seating plan for the new layout. To be able to continue to put shows on sale for the Autumn/Winter 2025 Season, the way you purchase a seat for this event is different to what you’re used to. The booking page will ask you whether you would like Stalls or Circle seats and then will ask you how many seats you would like. Please then go through the booking process as normal. When we have received delivery of the new seating plan our Box Office Team will be in touch with you directly so that they can allocate you an actual seat.
For any questions please call 01502 533200 or email info@marinatheatre.co.uk
Contractor Awarded Works For Marina Theatre Project
Lowestoft Town Council, the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk Council are pleased to announce that The Input Group have been awarded the contract to deliver the works to upgrade the Marina Theatre building in Lowestoft.
The project will see one of Suffolk’s leading venues for theatre, music and comedy be significantly upgraded with the creation of a new theatre entrance within a new link building between the existing Victorian Theatre and the more modern existing box office. The new link building will incorporate a lift to give access for all visitors to all floors of the Theatre, new toilets and a relocated and expanded box office facility.
Speaking about the project, the Mayor of Lowestoft, Cllr Nasima Begum said: “I am delighted that a contractor has been appointed to deliver these works. The improvements will bring significant upgrades to the Marina Theatre which I hope will improve the experiences for everyone who visits and works at the Theatre.”
Sam Vallerius, General Manager of The Marina Theatre said: “The Marina Theatre Trust are pleased to be moving forward with these plans that will improve the level of service we are able to offer our customers. The improvements, which were highlighted in an audience consultation, will see us become a more accessible and updated venue. We extend our thanks to Lowestoft Town Council and East Suffolk Council for their support on this project.”
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “We are pleased to see these improvements progressing, which are funded through Lowestoft’s £24.9m allocation from the Government’s Towns Fund, secured by East Suffolk Council. These works will further enhance the theatre and increase access for everyone, as well as complementing the major redevelopment work being undertaken by East Suffolk Council at nearby Battery Green.”
Throughout the year the Marina Theatre hosts a variety of shows including their monthly Comedy Club and their upcoming and ever-popular Christmas Pantomime. The theatre also offers cinema screenings, community classes and a café. The works will not impact on the Pantomime Season.
The Marina Theatre Project is a Lowestoft Town Council (as building owners) Project, in partnership with the Marina Theatre Trust and East Suffolk Council, with funding from UK Government’s Towns Fund.