Lowestoft Central is set to benefit from £20m as part of a scheme to support local jobs, community facilities, green spaces and measures to make the town’s streets safer and stronger.

The Lowestoft Central MSOA. Image: Jess Asato's office (Image: Jess Asato's office)

The town has been selected as one of 169 areas to receive £2m a year for the next decade through the government's £5bn Pride In Place programme.

With Felixstowe West also having been selected in East Suffolk, this is described as a major opportunity for local people to shape the future of their neighbourhood and deliver lasting, positive change.

As Lowestoft MP Jess Asato is delivering £20m investment to revive Lowestoft town centre, an independent chair for the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in Lowestoft is being sought to help ensure this investment is guided by the voices, priorities, and lived experience of the community.

The independent chair will be responsible for championing the views of local people and making sure that decisions are inclusive, evidence-based and transparent.

The Welcome to Lowestoft town sign. Image Archant (Image: (C)archant2015)

They will work with the board to create a long-term plan for the area and build positive relationships with the community.

Someone with a strong local connection to Lowestoft Central, who cares deeply about their community and wants to help make them even better places to live is being sought.

Experience of chairing meetings or an understanding of community development is helpful but not essential – training and support can be provided.

Ms Asato said: “This is a really exciting moment for our town.

Lowestoft MP Jess Asato. Picture: Jess Asato's office (Image: Jess Asato's office)

"We are recruiting the very first chair of the board, who will play a vital role in shaping how this investment is delivered and making sure it has a real impact locally.

"We need someone who can be a strong voice for our community, but also a genuine listener, bringing people together and ensuring local priorities are at the heart of every decision."

The chair does not need to be an expert in regeneration or public services.

What matters most is the ability to listen, communicate clearly and support constructive collaboration.

They should lead and facilitate meetings of the Neighbourhood Board.

Champion resident-led, inclusive and transparent decision-making.

Ensure a wide range of community voices are heard, including under-represented groups.

Support the development of a 10-year Pride in Place Plan shaped by local priorities,

Build positive relationships with residents, community organisations and businesses.

Send a short written statement, no longer than 500 words, or a video statement, no longer than four minutes, explaining your link to the local community, your relevant skills and what motivated you to apply.

Send applications to hr@eastsuffolk.gov.uk .

Interviews will be held, in-person on April 13 for the Lowestoft Central role.

Visit the council website for further information.

For an informal chat about the programme and the role, email nick.khan@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

© Eastern Daily Press