High Street: Hope from the ashes

On Saturday 3rd June 2023 disaster hit Lowestoft's High Street, but all is not doom and gloom.  

145, High Street suffered a crippling fire. At least two people were rescued by firefighters. Nine fire appliances of various types attended. Electricity was turned off for part of the High Street for a few hours. Not only did the flat-dwellers lose their homes, but High Street Furnishings lost their shop and store.  

The fire destroyed the top floor, and severe water damage affected the rest of the building. 

The fire was declared 'extinguished' later the next day, and the whole building fenced off, and marked as dangerous. 

Many feared the building was too far gone to be re-built. 

But there's hope yet. Around a month ago, new scaffolders appeared. And they built an enormous steel structure, reaching well above chimney height. They roofed it, and encased the whole thing in plastic tarpaulin. The gusty winds last night (18/9/2023) had a good go at one corner of the fabric. 

From the scaffold erection it has been deduced that some kind of re-build is in the offing. It's understood Jason Taylor is current owner. 

Chris, who owns High Street Furnishings, has started to move some of his recoverable stock into 141 High Street, just down the street. He hopes to re-open in the next few weeks. 

Other High Street news. 

From the sad remains of the recently closed The Grit comes 'Moral of the Story' and Guitar Doctor UK. Moral of the Story will be a bookshop, and Guitar Doctor – and having watched Andy at work, I have to say, lovingly - mends guitars and amplifiers and the like. They will occupy 132 High Street, NR32 1HP. Welcome.