Multi-million pound town revamp moves a step closer

The council says much of the land is currently "underutilised"

The multi-million pound regeneration of "underutilised" land close to a resort's railway station has moved a step closer.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has appointed the construction firm Willmott Dixon to develop the 10-acre (four-hectare) site at North Quay.

The 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 spaces.

Carl 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 says the regeneration is a key part of linking the railway station to the town centre

The council secured £20m of levelling up money for the project in 2023.

Some of the money was being used to "unlock the area", which included purchasing land through voluntary and compulsory orders.

Last 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 completion.

David 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 zone.

Listed buildings are buildings of special architectural or historic interest with additional legal protection.

Willmott Dixon was recently appointed to deliver a similar regeneration of Dover's town centre.

It has also worked with Torbay Council to regenerate several sites in Torquay and Paignton.