Public concern expressed through the press has prompted the Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council to allay the fears of residents about the future of the seafront Marina sports and leisure complex.

“It has been really heartening to see that people who use the Marina are happy with the service provided for them, and are concerned about the building’s future use,” said Councillor Barry Coleman.

“There has been a great deal of speculation about what will happen to the building and sport provision in the future. Please can I say that it is early days and no decisions have been made regarding the Marina’s future.

“If this Council had been going to abandon the Marina Centre and its users it wouldn’t have gone to the lengths of forming a Trust to ensure that it remained open when its last operators handed back the contract.

“The future of the Marina is still very much open - there are many choices to be made and it could be that the present building stays in some form. But alternatively it could be that the site is part of a major seafront redevelopment.

“In that case the processes which will have to be gone through will mean that if work were to commence on the Marina site, it is likely that it would be between two and three years before it got underway.

“In the meantime, the Council has to look to the future. The arrival of a casino, no matter where it is sited, will bring development funding to the Borough and with it exciting opportunities.

“As we take seriously the fitness and well being of our residents, you only have to look at the extensive programme which the Great Yarmouth Sports Partnership has developed, we are already looking at ways of improving the services and facilities provided throughout the Borough.

“Community Section Service Head Marie Hartley, and staff from the Marina Centre, have begun a series of fact finding visits around the country to look at facilities offered by other local authorities and private companies.

“They are studying aspects as diverse as customers’ demands, environmentally-friendly construction methods and how the businesses are run. This will help Great Yarmouth Borough Council plan for the future.

“It might be that instead of one large centre we decide that several smaller facilities around the Borough would suit residents more - sites will also be explored and these could include some in the urban regeneration area.

“We will be looking to ensure that the major leisure uses are sustained in the Borough.

“Before any decisions are taken, full consultation with the community will take place as part of any development proposals

“Great Yarmouth is going through a sea of changes with the harbour and the urban regeneration programme, these are exciting times for everyone.”

For further information contact Councillor Barry Coleman on 01493 740782 or email bgc@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.