Plans for 82 new homes to regenerate town

Great Yarmouth Borough Council said the regeneration project would improve the area for residents and visitors

A council and two housing associations have submitted plans for 82 new homes as part of a regeneration project.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) acquired leases from businesses on the south side of The Conge from 2020 and began demolition in 2024.

Using money from the Government's Future High Streets Fund and Brownfield Land Release Funding, the authority has worked with Broadland Housing Association and Orwell Housing on plans for the site.

Under the proposals, 82 homes, including flats and houses, built on the land, either side of George Street.

Carl Smith, the Conservative leader of GYBC, said: ''We are incredibly excited by what the regeneration of The Conge will mean for local people."

The longer-term plan could see businesses based on the north side of The Conge relocated for it to be redeveloped into homes.

The council said the partnership would improve a key gateway between the railway station and Market Place, the latter having had £11m invested in a new market building, new paving, lighting and planting.

Additional plans involving premises on the north side of The Conge could see further businesses relocated, to allow additional homes to be built in the future.

Smith added: ''This key location has been neglected for some time and this redevelopment is part of our broader regeneration strategy for the borough.

''Broadland and Orwell are award-winning housing associations and have a proven track record of delivering and managing high-quality homes and places.

"They bring a wealth of expertise and resources to progress the development of this key area of the town centre.''

The planning application comes after a public consultation last year on the plans for The Conge, which included an opportunity for people to see the proposals at Great Yarmouth Town Hall.

GYBC Labour group leader Trevor Wainwright said: ''We know there is increasing demand for new homes in the borough and, by working in partnership with two experienced organisations, this forms an important part of our regeneration strategy.''

The site on the south side of The Conge straddles George Street and will be redeveloped into 82 homes, if plans are approved

In a joint statement, Andrew Savage, Broadland's executive director development, and Greg Dodds, Orwell's assistant director of development and growth, said: ''Orwell and Broadland are both locally based and have a long track record of providing quality homes for rent and sale across Norfolk and Suffolk.

"Orwell and Broadland are delighted to bring forward this iconic site in the centre of Great Yarmouth as the first project under the partnership.

"The application at The Conge will help to transform a brownfield site into high-quality, well-designed and attractive housing. These much-needed homes in the town centre will be energy efficient to heat for people, and sustainable for future generations who will live there.''