Great Yarmouth Borough Council appoints main contractor for Winter Gardens restoration

This is a key milestone for the ambitious multi-million-pound project, with initial enabling works - including cleaning of the existing ironwork - set to get underway in the autumn.

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''We are delighted to have secured the services of VINCI Building as our main contractor for what is an incredibly exciting scheme for the borough.

''The Winter Gardens holds a special place in so many people's hearts and VINCI Building has demonstrated it is well placed with the expertise and experience to help us deliver a re-imagined landmark we can all be proud of.''

The start of initial construction work follows months of detailed collaboration with stakeholders - including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Norwich's John Innes Centre and the University of Cambridge Institute of Sustainability - on designs for the renovation of the Grade II* listed building on the Golden Mile.

Paul Tumelty Regional Director of VINCI Building said: ''We are delighted to have been selected as construction partner to return the Winter Gardens to its former glory as the jewel in the crown of Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile.

''The project perfectly aligns with our purpose, which is to contribute our construction skills and expertise to benefit and improve the lives of the people that live and work in our communities. It is a true privilege to be involved, and we can't wait to get started.''

The designs for the building include innovative and sustainable plans for high-quality glazing, heating and cooling systems, significant planting, rainwater harvesting, irrigation and low energy and decarbonisation for what is the UK's last surviving Victorian glasshouse on a seaside promenade.

With the Winter Gardens scheduled to open in 2028, the aim is to reduce life-cycle costs and increase asset value, as well as improving the visitor experience for the public.

Councillor Smith, said: ''We are determined to ensure we have a nationally and internationally significant landmark building that is at the heart of Great Yarmouth's life, economy and historical legacy. It will provide a unique experience for residents and visitors for decades to come.

''We want to create an inclusive facility which is focused on free access for local people all year round as well as improving our hugely important tourism offer.''

Last year The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded £12.3 million to the council to deliver its vision for the Winter Gardens - Reimagining the People's Palace, a bold and inspiring programme, restoring the unique historic building to its former glory. The funding has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Combined with £6 million of investment from the Government's UK Towns Fund and a £500,000 grant from Historic England, the restored building will also feature community spaces, catering and opportunities for leisure, entertainment and learning.

The Winter Gardens has been closed to the public since 2008 and is currently on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register due to its deteriorating condition.

Built between 1878-1881 in Torquay and relocated to Great Yarmouth in 1904, it represents the pinnacle of Victorian cast iron and glass design and engineering.

The restoration project has already gained recognition, with designs receiving the Architects' Journal Retrofit Award in the Future Reuse category. Judges praised the project for its architectural ingenuity and approach to creating a more environmentally friendly and climate-resilient structure.