Families are being urged to "dive in" and explore a coastal town's latest creative space.

A new cultural hub - called The Battery - has transformed the large former Tesco Metro store in Lowestoft town centre, which closed in September 2019 after decades of serving the community.

Work starting inside the former Tesco Metro store in Lowestoft town centre in March this year. Picture: Mick HowesWork starting inside the former Tesco Metro store in Lowestoft town centre in March this year. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Since July the London Road North building has been utilised as part of a two-year project - funded with £700,000 from Arts Council England and £300,000 from East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council - called The Battery of Ideas.

Featuring numerous partners from across different sectors, the Battery of Ideas project is led by First Light Festival CIC and is building towards creativity in the new Battery Green cultural development in Lowestoft town centre.

A First Light Festival CIC spokesman said: "The Battery of Ideas Project aims to raise awareness and engagement in the Quarter and create a step change in creative production and cultural participation in the town."

And for the first time this weekend The Battery - an "exciting new space" will open its doors.

A free entry open day will be held on Saturday, November 23 with locals encouraged to come along and see how the building at 119-125 London Road North has been transformed as part of the Cultural Quarter development.

Archie the Squid inside The Battery in Lowestoft town centre. Picture: First Light Festival CICArchie the Squid inside The Battery in Lowestoft town centre. Picture: First Light Festival CIC (Image: First Light Festival CIC) Open from 10am to 3pm, an underwater themed activity experience will be held as The Battery is home to Archie the Squid - a life-sized replica of the giant squid from the Natural History Museum's mollusc collection - and a giant sea creature made from seaweed by artist Julia Lohmann and on loan from Messums Art Hub.

inside The Battery in Lowestoft town centre. Picture: First Light Festival CICA giant sea creature made from seaweed will be on display inside The Battery in Lowestoft town centre. Picture: First Light Festival CIC (Image: First Light Festival CIC) A range of interactive activities will be on offer, inspired by Natural History Museum and Cefas, with Lowestoft Maritime Museum and Books & Prints also attending.

The spokesman added: "This will be the first time The Battery has opened its doors to the public since the team behind First Light Festival took over the building in July."

Ahead of the open day, a special schools day on Friday, November 22 will see five schools visiting The Battery to enjoy workshops delivered by The Natural History Museum and CEFAS.