Have your say on exciting plans to revitalise iconic Winter Gardens

The Winter Gardens is the last surviving Victorian glass house in the country and, in 2021, was one of five transformational projects across the country to be awarded a Heritage Horizon Award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Made possible thanks to funding from National Lottery players, the Heritage Horizon Awards were developed to support innovative projects that will revolutionise UK heritage.

With beautiful indoor planting, community spaces and café areas, the revitalised Winter Gardens will offer a special atmosphere brought to life with opportunities for leisure, entertainment and learning. It will breathe new life to the heart of one of the country's most important seaside towns.

The project is currently in its development phase, during which time the council is working with the local community to share its plans for the project, listen to input and ideas from the public to help ensure the Winter Gardens is made the best it can be.

The council has now shared the concept designs for the repair and refurbishment of the Winter Gardens, which have been developed by the design team at Burrell Foley Fischer, in close collaboration with Great Yarmouth Borough Council, other specialist partners and stakeholders.

People are invited to look through the images and provide thoughts and feedback via the survey online.

The project team and architects will also be at Market Gates on Wednesday, 26 July from 10am until 3pm, and at Great Yarmouth Library from 5pm until 7pm for people to pop along to meet those working on the project and ask any questions they have.

Cllr James Bensly, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Coastal Management, said "The overall ambition is to repair and revive the Winter Gardens as a year-round visitor attraction that makes the most of the unique building, its seafront location and its horticultural heritage and we really encourage people to have their say."

Rachel Daniel, the council's Winter Gardens partnership and engagement co-ordinator, said: "We really want our residents and visitors to share their feedback on the initial designs for the Winter Gardens. Their ideas and input will help shape the works as they progress.

"As ever, we are grateful to National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for making this project possible.''

Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "I am delighted to see the community being involved in the development of the iconic Winter Gardens, which is part of our Heritage Horizon programme. It's thanks to National Lottery players that this vital work can take place, meaning this important heritage will resonate with the community for years to come."

Pending approval from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is due to be completed in 2026.