Latest news with #GreatYarmouthBoroughCouncil
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
There's so much to explore beyond the seafront in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth isn't just about the glittering lights of the seafront. Beyond the buzz lies a quieter side, one of rivers, reeds and rich natural beauty waiting to be explored. Located where the Broads National Park meets the North Sea, Great Yarmouth Borough boasts a unique landscape. The meeting point for the rivers Bure, Yare and Waveney marks the beginning of more than 125 miles of navigable rivers, broads and man-made channels that wind through some of Norfolk and Suffolk's most peaceful and picturesque countryside. These waterways can be explored by boat, paddle board or on foot, a great way to take in the beautiful, natural surroundings. A standout destination is Breydon Water, a vast RSPB nature reserve that is also part of the Berney Marshes. Wet grassland, intertidal mud and saltmarsh makes an ideal place for wading birds and waterfowl to shelter, feed and rest. Throughout the year, thousands of ducks, geese and swan's visit. Look out for pink-footed geese, widgeons and black tailed godwit in the water. While on the banks, you might spot redshanks, avocets and lapwings. For those who love a good walk, the Angles Way is a breathtaking route from Breydon Water to Burgh Castle. As you stroll past windmills and grazing marshes, you'll eventually arrive at one of the best-preserved Roman sites in East Anglia. Burgh Castle Fort, built in the third and fourth centuries, was once part of a chain of 'Saxon Shore' forts defending the coast from invaders. Today, it stands as a peaceful reminder of our region's ancient past, with panoramic views stretching across the marshes. Take a walk from Winterton to Martham Broad (Image: Great Yarmouth Borough Council) Across the borough nature thrives, from windswept dunes at Winterton Beach, where you may spot a grey seal along the shoreline in the winter, to the picturesque and peaceful stretch of water at Martham Broad, which is teeming with dragonflies and rare birds. Many of these places are connected by scenic walking paths or cycle routes, making it easy to discover nature just moments from the town. There are also a variety of parks where you can enjoy the peace and quiet, play with the kids or enjoy a picnic. Bure Park sits alongside the River Bure and features a children's playground, seasonal pitch and putt and 20 acres of open space. It also has a lake with wildfowl and plenty of picnic seating – something to please everyone. In the centre of town, St George's Park features memorials for the First and Second World Wars, as well as beautifully planted flower beds and a children's play area. You'll also be able to spot a couple of pieces included in the sculpture trail that takes place this summer from here, too. St George's Park will host a couple of pieces included in the sculpture trail that takes place this summer (Image: Great Yarmouth Borough Council) Exciting new additions coming to the town include the redevelopment of Emerald Green Park in Gorleston-on-Sea, which will include a brand-new skate park, a multi-use games area, and exciting new play equipment. Designed with inclusion in mind, this will be a vibrant space for all ages to enjoy – encouraging active lifestyles and a stronger sense of community. Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering your hometown, take time to venture beyond the promenade. From ancient ruins and wildlife-rich marshes to peaceful parklands, Great Yarmouth is so much more than just a seafront – it's a place where nature, history and community live side by side.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans to double pier arcade size set for approval
Plans to almost double the size of a pier's amusement arcade are being recommended for approval, despite concerns over the scale of the development. The owners of the Wellington Pier in Great Yarmouth submitted proposals last year to expand the site on to derelict land which was once used for an outdoor roller skating rink. Historic England objected, warning the new-look building would be "large and utilitarian", while failing to preserve the local conservation area. But it has welcomed the revised proposals and a report by Great Yarmouth Borough Council advises councillors to give planning permission. The heritage organisation said it still had concerns about the size of the building and that any harm it might cause should be weighed against the public benefits. The council's conservation officer also voiced opposition to the original plans, but has since worked with the pier's owners - Family Amusements Ltd - on a compromise. The pier owners have agreed to limit the height of the extension to 7.5m (24ft), rather than 9.2m (30ft) - and the footprint of the building would not be as large. The report for councillors said the changes to the amusement arcade would bring a number of positives including employment and "bringing back an underused site in the conservation area into use". It said that its verdict was "finely balanced" but said harms to local heritage were outweighed by longer-term social and economic benefits to jobs and tourism. A decision is due to be made on the plans on Thursday. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Office clear-out finds alternative plans for pier Britannia Pier signage to be preserved by collector Major facelift planned for landmark pier Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Historical artefacts salvaged as pub is demolished
Historical artefacts are being salvaged from a pub that villagers tried to save, as demolition work begins to allow new houses to be built. The Decoy Tavern in Fritton near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk closed in 2022 after its owners said the business was unviable. Roof tiles, bricks and even the bar will be sold, which salvage business operator Andy Warnes said could be used to preserve other buildings and conservation projects. He said the demolition team were "very good at getting the most out of every building", calling it a very green activity. Lifting up floorboards in the oldest part of the pub, he added: "These are nice, properly old boards, so we will save every one we can." A planning inspector prevented the pub's demolition in 2022 but new plans for three houses were passed by Great Yarmouth Borough Council in January. Estate agent Mike Drewery said no offers were made to buy the pub in three years. "It wasn't structurally sound as a building and it wasn't sound as a business, so you have to look at what's viable for the site and that's development," he said. Kiel Barber from demolition firm E.E. Green said: "There's a lot of dry rot, damp where water has come through, you can see where the roof has sagged and it's had a few bodges just to keep the weather out. "It would have cost a fortune to make it worthy again as a pub. "Sometimes there comes a time when the easiest and best thing to do is pull it down and start again." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Council orders pub owner to fix fire-ravaged pub Derelict Art Deco pub awarded £2.4m lottery grant


BBC News
10-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Great Yarmouth North Quay regeneration plans move a step closer
The multi-million pound regeneration of "underutilised" land close to a resort's railway station has moved a step Yarmouth Borough Council has appointed the construction firm Willmott Dixon to develop the 10-acre (four-hectare) site at North council said the prospect of regenerating the North Quay Waterfront area offered "the most significant development opportunity in a generation".A planning application is expected to be submitted early next year. Plans include the creation of leisure facilities, retail space, residential areas and revamped public Smith, a Conservative councillor and leader of the council, said: "North Quay is a key site which will become a vibrant new destination and will further enhance the town's already prosperous economic future."We owe it to our residents and all those who love Great Yarmouth to create a scheme which will live up to our inspiring and innovative history." The council secured £20m of levelling up money for the project in of the money was being used to "unlock the area", which included purchasing land through voluntary and compulsory year, some homeowners told the BBC they felt "priced out of the market".No date has been set on when work will begin, or when the project is scheduled for Atkinson, national head of land and development at Willmott Dixon, said: "Over the coming months we're looking forward to working with local stakeholders to share our exciting ideas for the transformation of this key site."Trevor Wainwright, the council's Labour group leader, said he supported the scheme - describing the area as "an important strategic site".The council said no decision had yet been made on the future of three Grade II listed properties located within the proposed regeneration buildings are buildings of special architectural or historic interest with additional legal Dixon was recently appointed to deliver a similar regeneration of Dover's town has also worked with Torbay Council to regenerate several sites in Torquay and Paignton. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Town's £5.8m market piazza nears completion
Work to improve a seaside town's Market Place is nearing completion, with stalls returning to a refurbished piazza on Saturday. The £5.8m regeneration in Great Yarmouth town centre began in June last year with new paving, benches, lighting and planters being installed. The two-day market – which opens on Saturdays and Wednesdays - has been based on the north-side of the Market Place while work has been carried out, but will move back to its usual home in the piazza. The Conservative leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Carl Smith, said he was "delighted" the stalls were able to return. "This marks a significant step in our ambitious plans to improve the area for residents, visitors and traders," he said. "The Market Place is really coming together and will complement the covered market and improve the offer for shoppers, as well as providing a better environment for our stallholders," he added. The council said a small amount of work would remain to be completed after Easter and it hoped the refurbishment would attract more people to the town centre. It began after more than £5m was spent on building a new covered market. Meanwhile, work on converting the former Palmers department store into a library and learning hub is nearing completion, with it expected to open in the next few weeks. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Town's new anti-social behaviour rules implemented Market traders owe nearly £20,000 in rent Shopping centre put up for sale by administrators Great Yarmouth Borough Council