The long-awaited Royal Plain fountains in Lowestoft are now in place and ready to be switched on for the season ahead after "delays and challenges" had affected the installation.

Ongoing works to the new fountains in Lowestoft last year. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

East Suffolk Council said an official opening was due to have been held in the late summer last year, but with delays on the contractor's side and challenges affecting the installation works this was eventually completed in September.

The new Royal Plain fountains in Lowestoft being tested for the first time last year. Image: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Subsequently, the new Royal Plain fountains were successfully tested twice last year - and they were hailed as "amazing" by the council.

Contractors were on site this week as the fountains return, and they are set to be switched back on to operate for the forthcoming season.

Prior to redevelopment the fountains had not been in use for several years.

The new water play feature forms part of a major regeneration scheme of works that has transformed the Royal Plain, Royal Green and South Quay Wharf areas of Lowestoft.

The new Royal Plain fountains in Lowestoft being tested for the first time last year. Image: East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Works to transform three of Lowestoft's key seafront areas began in December 2024 as part of a major revamp of Britain's most easterly seafront.

The fountains, which include a mirror pool, are programmed to run at different heights and patterns, while coloured lasers also create a light display.

The council said: "The brand‑new Royal Plain fountains are returning, with contractors OCMIS on site this week commissioning the system ready for summer 2026.

"The previous fountains had sadly become beyond repair, and bringing them back was one of the most requested improvements from local residents.

"The new system filters water to the same high standards used for swimming pools, and its vibrant colour‑changing lights will create the perfect summer light show.

"Thanks to investment from the Towns Fund, East Suffolk Council have transformed this space with a fountain system that’s safer, more reliable and more sustainable."

It also complements the wider seafront regeneration that has included the re-landscaped Royal Green and new leisure facilities, the transformation of South Quay Wharf into a pocket park and the exciting new Jubilee Parade leisure complex that is set to open later this summer.

The council said: "We can’t wait to see the fountains switched back on later this week."

The original Royal Plain fountains were opened in Lowestoft in June 2005.

Youngsters having fun as a bike is ridden through the Royal Plain fountains in yester-year. (Image: ©Archant 2013)

Back then, the family favourite fountains were set to music as more than 70 jets of water would shoot several feet into the air.

The original Royal Plain fountains on Lowestoft’s Royal Thoroughfare in years gone by. Photo: Newsquest (Image: Archant)

They were said to have cost £400,000 at the time as the centrepiece of the improvements made as part of the Waveney Sunrise Scheme, which was given the royal seal of approval during an official opening by the Princess Royal in April 2007.

But after being out of use for a number of years, the return of the fountains was one of the most requested improvements from locals as part of the £1.9m project.

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