Changes made to town's £100m regeneration project

Changes will be made to one of the biggest regeneration projects ever proposed in a town after locals worried views of a historic building could be blocked.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council wants to redevelop the North Quay area through a £100m scheme, with plans including a retail outlet and multi-screen cinema, to make the town a destination for shopping and entertainment.

A 120-room hotel has been proposed, but people responding to a consultation worried the location would obstruct views of the Minster and riverside.

Following the feedback, the siting of the building has been moved and other aspects of the plans will be changed.

The council said the new position would create a more attractive approach from The Conge by screening the service yard from view.

Other alterations include the positioning of the Leisure Box building, which would house a multi-screen IMAX cinema.

People told the council they worried about the scale of the building so it has been moved to sit "more comfortably within the site, improving movement through the development and creating a stronger relationship with the surrounding public spaces".

The North Quay area is a key gateway into Great Yarmouth, but large parts of the industrial area have become derelict.

About 1,000 long-term jobs will be generated once it is opened, while a further 500 roles will be required during the construction phase.

A retail outlet with 70 stores and restaurants will also feature in the scheme.

The council is working with Rioja Estates, which has created shopping destinations across the UK and Europe, and construction firm Willmott Dixon, to bring the project to fruition.

More stories from Norfolk

• Trio rode with woman before mast attack, jury told
• Councillor fails to attend court for assault charge
• Female veterans support group makes national impact

Carl Smith, Conservative leader of the council, said: "We had really positive feedback. This is a really good news story for Great Yarmouth. It is going to be a gamechanger and is probably the biggest regeneration project ever in the town.

"The scheme will bring a piece of land back into use, create employment and create a destination attraction."

Smith added he hoped the project would help bolster ambitions for other improvements, such as upgrading Vauxhall Roundabout and the Acle Straight.

The next step will be submitting a planning application in the coming weeks.

Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.