St. George's Park

St George’s Park in Great Yarmouth recently underwent a £2million plus refurbishment scheme which included improved lighting and security, new play equipment, seating and bins, resurfacing of footways, new planting and several art features.

The refurbishment scheme, which also included improvements to Trafalgar Road, was undertaken by the Borough and County Councils in partnership with Mott MacDonald, May Gurney and GYB Services, the latter of whom is also responsible for the day to day maintenance of the site.

Several art features were included in the scheme.  A wooden carved sculpture of St George slaying the dragon was mastered by Mark Goldsworthy - Woodcarver from Bungay and this is sited behind the new play area.

Towards the end of 2008 three entrance features were created by Norfolk Blacksmiths.

The herring arch, which is situated at the town centre entrance, was crafted by Nigel Barnett who is also chair of the British Artist Blacksmith’s Association.    The arch is of ropes intertwined with herrings, seaweed and star fish.  Nigel also created the entrance feature opposite St George’s Chapel which depicts mooring chains with seagulls perched aloft.  The seagulls are the work of acclaimed Norwich sculptor Ros Newman.

Master Blacksmith Bill Cordaroy, from East Ruston created the third arch of abstracted fishing nets and seaweed, reflecting styles from the nearby former Art School.

St George’s Park was awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award from the Civic Trust in 2008.

The Green Flag Award was also presented in 2009 by a consortium comprising Keep Britain Tidy, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and GreenSpace known collectively as the Green Flag Plus Partnership.  They are managing the scheme in England on behalf of Communities and Local Government.