Contractor appointed to restore seaside landmark

Designs for the building includes high-quality glazing, heating and cooling systems, and rainwater harvesting

A contractor has been appointed to undertake the first phase of £18m restoration works on a listed seafront landmark.

The Winter Gardens in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has been on Historic England's heritage at risk register due to its deteriorating condition, and is the last surviving Victorian glasshouse on a seaside promenade in the United Kingdom.

It has been closed since 2008, but Great Yarmouth Borough Council hopes the building will reopen in 2028.

Carl Smith, the leader of the Conservative-led council, said: "We are determined to ensure we have a nationally and internationally significant landmark building that is at the heart of Great Yarmouth's life, economy and historical legacy."

VINCI Building has been appointed ahead of initial work, including the cleaning of existing ironwork, which is set to get underway in the autumn.

An artist's impression of how the Winter Gardens will look after restoration

Designs for the building includes plans for high-quality glazing, heating and cooling systems, significant planting, rainwater harvesting, irrigation, and low energy and decarbonisation.

Smith said: "The Winter Gardens holds a special place in so many people's hearts and VINCI building has demonstrated it is well placed with the expertise and experience to help us deliver a re-imagined landmark we can all be proud of.

"It will provide a unique experience for residents and visitors for decades to come."

Funding for the project is made up of £12.3m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, £6m from the Government's UK Towns Fund, and a £500,000 grant from Historic England.

Paul Tumelty, regional director of VINCI Building, said the contractor would be working to return the Winter Gardens to its "former glory as the jewel in the crown" of Yarmouth's Golden Mile.