At Steel & Co, we see first-hand how much passion and hard work goes into running a local business. Every shopfront, studio and office represents years of graft, big decisions and a real commitment to our town.
Our new Community Stories series shines a light on some of the people and businesses who make Lowestoft and the wider East Anglia area what it is. Each story shares how they are investing in the local community – and how we have been able to support them behind the scenes with honest, local property advice.
We are delighted to begin the series with Fab Fabric – a much-loved creative hub on Lowestoft High Street.
Fab Fabric – a creative hub on the High Street
Fab Fabric is a wonderful family-run business that has become a go-to destination for creatives and makers in Lowestoft.
Step through the door and you are met with carefully chosen high-quality fabrics for dressmaking, quilting and a wide range of other sewing projects. From colourful cottons and dressmaking fabrics to helpful haberdashery essentials, the shop is full of inspiration for anyone who loves working with textiles.
But Fab Fabric is much more than just a shop. It is a place where creativity comes to life. Customers come not only to pick up supplies, but to gather ideas, ask questions and feel part of a friendly, creative community.
Now based at 141–142 High Street, Lowestoft, NR32 1HR, Fab Fabric has become a real fixture on the High Street – drawing people into the town centre, supporting other local businesses and adding colour and character to the street.
The opportunity: room to grow and bring people together
Before their recent move, Fab Fabric was based on London Road South in smaller premises. The business was thriving, but space was tight.
The team could see a clear opportunity:
- Expand their product range to offer even more fabrics and haberdashery lines.
- Create dedicated space to host sewing classes and sessions.
- Build on their role as a creative hub where people of all ages and abilities could come together to learn and make.
To unlock that potential, they needed a larger, more prominent premises in the right location – somewhere on the High Street that would give them:
- Better visibility and footfall.
- Enough room for displays, storage and cutting tables.
- Space to welcome groups for classes without compromising the shopping experience.
Finding the right property, on the right terms, was a key step in Fab Fabric's next chapter.
How Steel & Co helped
That is where Steel & Co came in.
We were delighted to help Fab Fabric find the right premises to support their growth on Lowestoft High Street. From the outset, the focus was on understanding what really mattered to them as a family-run business and as a creative space for the community.
Working closely with the Fab Fabric team, we:
- Talked through their current and future needs – from floor space and layout through to accessibility, storage and room for classes.
- Looked at how different locations would affect visibility, footfall and convenience for their existing customers.
- Drew on our local knowledge of Lowestoft to highlight options that would fit their budget while still giving them room to grow.
This was not about a one-off transaction. It was about finding a premises that would feel like home for the long term, and that would allow Fab Fabric's creativity and community focus to really shine.
With the right property identified at 141–142 High Street, we supported Fab Fabric through the process of securing the new space, keeping the focus on clear communication, straightforward advice and a timetable that would minimise disruption to the business.
A welcoming creative hub in the heart of town
Since the move, Fab Fabric has truly made the new space its own.
The premises on the High Street have been thoughtfully transformed into a welcoming creative hub, with the same warmth and personality regulars know and love – just with more room to breathe.
Today, visitors will find:
- An even wider range of fabrics for dressmaking, quilting and craft projects.
- Well-organised displays of haberdashery essentials, tools and notions.
- Space to browse, chat and seek advice without feeling rushed.
Crucially, the additional space has allowed Fab Fabric to expand beyond retail and offer a growing programme of sewing classes and sessions. These welcome both complete beginners and more experienced sewists, creating a:
- Relaxed, supportive environment where people can build new skills.
- Place to work on projects together, share tips and swap ideas.
- Genuine creative community on the High Street.
The result is a win on several fronts:
- For Fab Fabric, the move has provided room to grow, a stronger presence in the town centre and the opportunity to deepen relationships with customers.
- For the local community, it has created a vibrant, welcoming space where people can learn, make and connect.
- For the High Street as a whole, it has added another reason for people to come into town and support independent businesses.
Looking ahead – part of a wider Community Stories journey
Seeing Fab Fabric flourish in their new location has been a real pleasure for the Steel & Co team. It is exactly the kind of journey we are proud to support: a local, family-run business investing in the town, creating opportunities for people and bringing new energy to the High Street.
As Fab Fabric continues to settle into the High Street, there is plenty of room for their story to keep evolving – from expanding their range and classes through to welcoming even more people who are curious to try something new.
For us, this case study is just one of many Community Stories we will be sharing:
- Stories of businesses and individuals who are investing in Lowestoft and East Anglia.
- Examples of spaces that bring people together and make a positive difference to everyday life.
- Journeys where Steel & Co has been able to offer straightforward, local support with property decisions along the way.
How Steel & Co can help your next move
If you run a local business, own commercial property or are planning your next move in Lowestoft or the wider East Anglia area, you do not have to make those decisions alone.
Steel & Co specialises in honest, relationship-led support for clients who want clear, practical advice on property – delivered by a family-run team that knows the area well.
Whether you are:
- Outgrowing your current space and looking for a new premises.
- Exploring options for buying, selling or letting commercial property.
- Weighing up a change in how you use your existing buildings.
…we are here to help you think it through and take the next step with confidence.
Get in touch with Steel & Co:
- Business name: Steel & Co (East Anglia) Limited
- Website: https://steelandco.co.uk
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Phone: 01502 446000
- Address: 92 High Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1XW, United Kingdom
If you are looking for more finance-specific support alongside your property decisions, you can also explore Steel & Co Financial Services at https://steelandcofinancial.co.uk.
Supporting Fab Fabric and your local High Street
A key part of Steel & Co’s ethos is supporting the wider community, not just through the work we do with clients, but by championing the brilliant independent businesses on our doorstep.
If Fab Fabric's story has inspired you, and you love the idea of supporting a fantastic local business, why not plan a visit?
Fab Fabric
141–142 High Street
Lowestoft
NR32 1HR
Phone: 07307 168817
Email:
Website: https://fabfabric.uk
Opening times
(May be subject to change – please check directly with Fab Fabric or via their website/social channels for the latest information.)
- Monday: 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Tuesday: 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Wednesday: CLOSED
- Thursday: 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Friday: 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Saturday: Only open on the 2nd Saturday of each month, 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Sunday: CLOSED
Whether you are a seasoned sewing enthusiast or curious to try something new, you will find a warm welcome, expert advice and plenty of creative inspiration.
