JD Sports plan for former Palmers department store Lowestoft

The prominent former Chadds/Palmers department store in Lowestoft town centre - which has been empty for more than four years - could soon be set for a new lease of life.

The former Palmers store in Lowestoft town centre could be set for a new lease of life. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With JD Sports behind plans for the town centre building that is steeped in history - having stood proudly at 66 to 76 London Road North since 1907 - a new 'illuminated advertisement consent' application has now been lodged.

It is another positive boost for the town centre after recent figures showed Lowestoft's retail unit vacancy rate was the highest in the district - with more than a quarter of shops empty, significantly higher than elsewhere in the region.

After plans for alterations to the existing shopfront and rear elevation at the former department store were approved in October last year, a "national sports retailer" was mooted back then.

The existing and proposed elevations. Picture: Tetrick Planning (Image: Tetrick Planning)

With work at the site ongoing, last month plans centring around the installation of three AC condensers was submitted to East Suffolk Council.

It said: "JD Sports are looking to take on the lease of the unit (at 66-76 London Road North, Lowestoft) for a fixed length period."

With JD Sports unveiled as the applicant behind the development, and the scheme still 'awaiting decision' with the council, fresh plans have now been lodged.

The proposed elevation for 66 to 76 London Road North in Lowestoft as an Illuminated Advertisement Consent application was lodged. Picture: Innovate Signs (Image: Innovate Signs)

Agent Rak Patel, and the Innovate Signs company, has lodged an 'Illuminated Advertisement Consent' application to East Suffolk - for the building's fascia panels, with illuminated lettering and the JD logo featuring as well as an illuminated projecting sign - on behalf of JD Sports & Fashion PLC.

The proposed key plan and shopfront elevation for 66 to 76 London Road North in Lowestoft as an Illuminated Advertisement Consent application was lodged. Picture: Innovate Signs (Image: Innovate Signs)

With the proposed drawings and shopfront elevation featuring the company logo, website and King of Trainers lettering at the front of the store, they are also currently 'awaiting decision' with the council.