St Peter's Court in Lowestoft was vacated in 2024 ahead of plans to tear it down in the spring of last year.

News that the next stage of the demolition will take place was revealed by East Suffolk Council as it announced a main contractor had been appointed.

After all tenants in the 90 flats had left the complex and moved into new accommodation, the tower block was boarded up in November 2024 as preparatory works took place ahead of the demolition of Lowestoft's only residential tower block.

The lower storeys of St Peters Court in Lowestoft were boarded up in 2024. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

But with it due to be knocked down in the spring of last year, the demolition was delayed.

East Suffolk Council said it had not been able to relocate the mobile phone mast and telecommunication equipment from the roof of the building - prompting the delays - while a contractor was also sought for the removal of asbestos in the building, which must be removed prior to demolition.

The council dispelled rumours over future uses of the site, after online social media speculation had suggested that the flats in the high-rise tower block could be used to house migrants.

The demolition of St Peters Court high-rise tower block in Lowestoft had been delayed. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The "difficult decision" to tear down the district's only high-rise block of flats was made in October 2023 after a survey of the site revealed it would cost £23m to maintain the tower block that was built in 1968.

This week, the council said that a main contractor has now been appointed.

It will see a programme of works starting soon to remove asbestos-containing materials from the St Peters Court building ahead of its proposed demolition.

The demolition of St Peters Court high-rise tower block in Lowestoft had been delayed. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Licensed specialists Aspect Contracts Ltd will carry out the safe removal and disposal of any materials used in construction of the building which contain asbestos," a council spokesman said.

"Work is expected to begin in March and take approximately six months to complete."

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