A former railway cattle dock looks set for a new lease of life.
The North Lowestoft Men's Shed have become custodians of the former Lowestoft railway cattle dock - and they plan to transform it into a community space, as part of a collaboration with Greater Anglia, the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership and the Lowestoft Central Project.
Situated off Denmark Road in Lowestoft, the vacant land has been unused for several decades.
But now the Men’s Shed will be able to expand with a new base, enabling them to utilise the land for a variety of uses while helping to preserve the unique mix of wildlife and railway heritage.
Next Wednesday, April 19 the North Lowestoft Men's Shed is holding its first open meeting at 11am, at the Parcel's Office on Lowestoft railway station.
It will be an opportunity to hear what the Shed is about, what it is doing now, and their dreams for the future, followed by a tour of the new land.
Shed chairman John Ellerby said: "We're really pleased to have secured the land and look forward to welcoming new members, and to working with Greater Anglia, the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership and the Lowestoft Central Project.
"Our next step will be to get a container on the land – our Shed - and our first job will be to create a hard standing for it."
Martin Halliday, Community Rail Norfolk development officer, said: "We are delighted to have facilitated use of the former cattle dock at Lowestoft station and are certain the Men’s Shed will be able to develop a fantastic community resource there."
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Community and Customer Engagement Manager, said: "The Men’s Shed initiative at Lowestoft is very welcome and will see another unused section of railway land brought back into use, supporting both the community and wildlife."
While The Shed is preparing the new land, the team meets every Wednesday from 11.30am at The Grit on Old Nelson Street.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here