Seafront statue of Benjamin Britten given approval

A life-sized statue of Benjamin Britten will soon be unveiled after plans for the seafront project were given approval.

The bronze sculpture of the composer as a boy will be installed opposite 21 Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft, where he was born on 22 November 1913.

The Britten as a Boy project was started by teacher and artist Ruth Wharrier, who has been granted permission by East Suffolk Council to move forward with the creation.

"The project has always been about promoting aspiration for generations of children of Lowestoft to dream big just as Benjamin Britten did 100 years ago," she said.

"Our simple message of looking ahead has also inspired many adults within our community, including those recovering from domestic and substance abuse."

The possibility of a statue being made became a reality after members of East Suffolk Council, Lowestoft Town Council and Kirkley People's Forum raised £110,000.

It was designed by sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, who has described Britten – who died in 1976 – as a "genius".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the statue was approved during a council meeting on Tuesday.

"It's really important we recognise people of our town who succeeded, councillor Peter Byatt said.

"I hope this is going to be the beginning of revisiting those successful children of Lowestoft."

Zeb Soanes, vice chairman of the project, has previously said he, too, hoped the piece would act as an inspiration for young people in the town.

"Our idea of depicting [Britten as a child] is to really inspire children that whatever you want, if you work hard, it is achievable," he said.

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