Latest news with #YarmouthBoroughCouncil
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.
BBC News
26-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Estate agents market Gorleston Ocean Room without a guide price
Estate agents have started to market a 1930s seaside music and dance venue for sale - but have not listed a guide price to potential Yarmouth Borough Council voted in March to sell the freehold of the Art Deco Ocean Room in Gorleston, after it closed in 2024.A non-invasive structural report identified defects that could cost £800,000 to remedy, but warned that the cost could double if a full invasive survey was carried Gowing, senior partner at Arnolds Keys, said: "The building does require refurbishment and investment, but its wonderful location and rich history make this a very attractive prospect for serious players in the leisure and tourism sector." Built in 1939 as the Floral Hall, the Ocean Room is a distinctive rotunda building, and for the past 50 years has operated as a night club and function has played host to acts including Rag'n'Bone Man, Blur and Mike Tyson, and featured in the Richard Curtis and Danny Boyle Beatles-inspired film, 15,000 sq ft seafront building includes a 10,000 sq ft circular main entertainment area as well as bars and kitchens, and a large south-facing terrace accessed from the promenade and beach. 'Unique opportunity' The venue is being marketed with potential in leisure, healthcare or nursery use, which are permitted under the existing planning as well as expressing financial offers, interested parties will have to demonstrate they have sufficient funding in place to meet the cost of extensive Gowing said he had already received expressions of interest from local and national leisure added: "This unique opportunity allows for the creation of a prominent bar, restaurant, or other leisure facility, enhancing Gorleston's appeal as a tourist destination."The property is being sold by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, who fully support its refurbishment and redevelopment."The landmark building offers the opportunity to create a 'key leisure venue which will add value to Gorleston's tourist offering' once it has been refurbished and redeveloped." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
02-04-2025
- BBC News
Great Yarmouth new anti-social behaviour rules implemented
New rules giving authorities in a seaside resort more powers to deal with anti-social behaviour have come into Yarmouth Borough Council said it chose to extend a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) after a survey found people wanted to "feel safer" in the Norfolk order was originally focussed on problems caused by street drinking, but the council's head of environment James Wilson said it had been extended to deal with other said these included "urinating, defecating, swearing, intimidation… as well as dealing with e-bikes and all the problems causing people not to want to come into town". The order – which also covers begging – gives police and council officers additional powers to issue warnings and fines, and ultimately, can lead to applies across the whole borough, also covering places including Gorleston, Caister-on-Sea and Hemsby. On the first day of the new PSPO, additional police were on patrol in Great Yarmouth town Dan Smith, who has worked in the town for 24 years, insisted it was "incredibly safe", but conceded that people did not always feel it said police wanted the town to "prosper" for residents and visitors alike, with tourists vital to the area."People want to come to Great Yarmouth and have a great experience. I bring my children to Great Yarmouth. They love it... it's a family-friendly resort," he said."You can't go to Legoland or Alton Towers and drink a can of Stella as you walk around." Officers called in to see Godwin Roshin at his convenience shop near the Market Place, to tell him about the said he regularly called police about street drinkers who he had barred from his shop."You can't control them; you get new faces every week. It's not one or two guys," he was disappointed by the response to previous reports he had made to police, and had doubts about how much difference the new rules would make."I'm not sure – give me another week and I'll tell you," he said. But in the Market Place, people did welcome the idea of more being done to deal with anti-social behaviour."I got harassed last week: verbally abused and threatened," said Tom Fisher, who said he had been confronted by a man who was begging."He was effing and blinding and I just ignored it. There should be police here all the time."Mary Collins, who was shopping with her son, said: "In the school holidays, you get the holidaymakers, and it's not very nice to see someone peeing up a wall." And Tia Smith said she "100%" agreed with the order coming into effect."To be fair, if it was me, I'd prefer just walking down the street not seeing people drinking," she said."The way I see it, if you want to drink – just drink in a pub or at home." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
16-03-2025
- BBC News
Artworks previewed before Great Yarmouth sculpture trail begins
Sculptures that will create an art trail in a seaside town have been shown in a preview ahead of their Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) has invested £330,000 in the project through the government's Town Deal funding.A dozen works, created by local, national and international artists, will be installed across the Norfolk town over the next few weeks, with the whole trail set to be unveiled in June."It's part of a wider scheme around tourism and attracting visitors into the town," said project manager Tracey Reed. "We want to be a 365-day tourism economy, and this fits with the work we're doing at the Winter Gardens to help us achieve that."The Winter Gardens, on the town's seafront, are due to be restored as part of an £18m project. Of the sculptures, Natasha Hayes, the council's executive director of place, said: "It's so hard to choose your favourite because they're all iconic in their own right."We've got Vorte Breath, which is picking up on the wind and offshore side of things that happen off our coastline; we've got the seahorses, which are just resplendent and celebrate our natural resources."The sculpture that's arrived [on a lorry] is a heart on a pillar that's got some glass-coloured inserts that will reflect the sun."It's going at the bottom of Regent Road and the idea is it celebrates our tourism."The Juggler celebrates circus, so I can't choose a favourite because I love them all and I can't wait to see them installed." Daniel Candon, Conservative cabinet member for economic development and growth, said: "One of the key aims of this is to improve the visitor experience and this is a trail that will be available all year round."And [it will] amplify the pride of place for local communities. We have an incredible offer of heritage and culture in Great Yarmouth and it is about being loud and proud about it."He acknowledged some public art, such as graffiti murals, had been defaced by vandals, but said he hoped the community would play its part in protecting the sculptures. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
27-02-2025
- BBC News
Great Yarmouth suffers wave of graffiti attacks
Vandals have carried out a spate of graffiti attacks across a town, a council has of buildings were defaced in Great Yarmouth between 01:30 and 04:00 GMT on 20 Yarmouth Borough Council said three people in dark hooded tops were seen on CCTV spraying Police said it was investigating multiple reports of criminal damage. Paul Wells, Conservative portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, licensing and waste, said: ''We are determined to do all we can to work with the police to bring these three to justice, and will do all we can to identify them and see them prosecuted.''We will not tolerate those who contribute to creating a negative impression of our community and we continue to work with residents, business owners and other partners as we all try to make Great Yarmouth safer and cleaner for everyone." Buildings in the town centre and along the seafront were among those council has urged businesses to have their properties cleaned.A Norfolk Police spokesperson added: "Officers are working with local partners to progress various lines of enquiry."Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch, either online or by calling 101, directing their information to PC Nigel Robinson." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
