Plans for new access to Grade II listed lodge in Suffolk

An application has been put in for the bridge to replace the existing dilapidated wooden one, and a new boathouse on the edge of an island, in the grounds of Abbots Hall.

The developments would allow access to the island for the first time, at the Food Museum, formerly the Museum of East Anglian Life, in Crowe Street, Stowmarket.

The large fishpond at the site is one of the only remaining 18th century features in the garden, and, due to the broken bridge, visitors have not been allowed to cross over to the island, and only very restricted access has been allowed for staff.

The new boathouse planned for the edge of the island would also will imitate the design of an early 20th century boathouse, based on old photographs.

There are also plans for minor repairs to the fabric of the Grade II listed fishing lodge itself.

New changes may be approved for The Food Museum (Image: The Food Museum)

According to application documents, the museum is now able to go ahead with the plans due to an injection of funding from the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund.

If approved, the changes would involve the addition of two employees to the 18-strong team at the site.

The museum is the largest independent museum in Suffolk, with 17 historic buildings in 75 acres of countryside.

Food Museum director Jenny Cousins said: “The new footbridge will replace the existing broken bridge and recreate the early 20th century boathouse.

“The new bridge will provide disabled access over to the island for the first time and help us to better maintain the Grade II listed Fishing Lodge.

“We are delighted to be able to undertake this project which will increase public access to the museum’s historic landscape.”