Gorleston Recreation Ground to be leased to town's football club so it can return to its traditional home
Gorleston Recreation Ground is to be leased to the town's football club as part of ambitious plans for it to return to its home of almost 100 years.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council's cabinet this week agreed to lease the site to Gorleston Football Club (GFC) for 75 years on the proviso that it remains open for public access and the club secures funding for its plans.
GFC left the Rec in 1982, having been based there since 1889, and moved to Emerald Park before latterly ground sharing with Great Yarmouth Town Football Club at The Wellesley. However, the cabinet was told the current arrangement is not sustainable and puts the survival of the club - which is one of Norfolk's most successful - at risk.
The club's proposals would cost about £4m - largely funded by The Football Foundation - and, if planning permission is granted, would see a full-sized, enclosed 3G first-team pitch with spectator stands, four training pitches, a new clubhouse and community hub, a hard-surface court and on-site parking.
The existing skate park, play area and multi-use games area will remain under council ownership. GFC currently occupies the site under a temporary licence so that youth matches can take place while the plans are developed.
Councillor Graham Plant, the council's portfolio holder for Operational Property and Asset Management, said: ''Gorleston Football Club has 32 teams, 700 players and volunteers and wants to provide a modern facility and community hub, significantly enhancing community use and participation as well as securing the future of the club.
''As one of the county's leading clubs, to see it return to its traditional home would be fantastic for Gorleston and the hundreds of players and supporters.
''We know the club has plans for an extensive community programme that includes developing women and girls' football, disability and inclusive sessions, mental health and wellbeing initiatives, as well as over-55s physical activity and social programmes. It would be a really fantastic asset for local people.''
The cabinet also approved the use of £155,225 of insurance compensation - received following the destruction of the former Church Lane Community Centre in 2021 - to deliver community spaces as part of the works.
Community activities would be delivered by The Nest (Norfolk's Community Hub) Ltd - a nationally recognised operator endorsed by the Football Foundation and the FA.
To support a successful funding bid, the Football Foundation requires the club to hold a long-term lease of the site. With the lease agreed, GFC will now submit its bid to the Football Foundation to access funding for a significant proportion of the project to be delivered. The club's aim is for its first team to play at the site from the end of the August 2027.
GFC will take on maintenance of the grassed area of the land, litter picking and emptying of refuse bins - saving the council more than £20,000 a year.
The club's proposals remain subject to planning permission and other statutory approvals. If planning permission is not secured the development will not go ahead.
