People invited to find out more and offer feedback about ambitious North Quay regeneration plans
People are being invited to further drop-in sessions to provide feedback about the proposed multi-million-pound regeneration of Great Yarmouth's North Quay.
Last December, Great Yarmouth Borough Council - in partnership with developer Willmott Dixon and outlet specialist Rioja Estates - unveiled ambitious plans to create a mixed-use development consisting of an outlet shopping centre, entertainment quarter, hotel and new homes on the 10-acre riverside site.
An initial two-day public consultation event was held earlier this year and a wide range of local stakeholders have also been consulted - including The Broads Authority, Visit Great Yarmouth, Great Yarmouth Civic Society and the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. These consultations have helped shape the proposal and the aim is to now seek further feedback.
More than 120 people attended the first public consultations at the Town Hall and The Place. Feedback was broadly positive with more than 80 per cent of people saying they thought the redevelopment would improve the appearance of the area, and more than 70 per cent of those who commented saying they thought the development would benefit residents and support year-round tourism.
More than 60 per cent of respondents said improved links between the railway station and town centre were important. Overall, the feedback indicated strong support for a well-connected, attractive and active destination, with an emphasis on inclusivity, local business opportunities and high-quality design.
Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''We have been delighted with how well received the proposals were. The drop-in sessions offer an opportunity for local people to tell us what they think important in the vision to breathe new life into North Quay and for them to learn more about what is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Great Yarmouth.
''One of the most important things was to be able to explain exactly what an outlet is. Some people thought it might take business away from existing shops, but we were able to explain how the development would become a town centre attraction in itself - with retailers offering something completely different, and complementary, to what is already available. Outlets operate extremely successfully across the world, benefitting local businesses and communities and driving additional growth and jobs where they are located.''
Initial estimates from Willmott Dixon and Rioja Estates - based on data from similar projects elsewhere - suggest the development may attract up to two million extra visits per year, create up to 500 jobs during the construction phase, up to 600 permanent positions in retail, leisure and hospitality in the development itself, and up to 400 further jobs in the surrounding area once open. More detailed analysis and figures will form part of the planning application when it is submitted.
At the heart of the regeneration is an entertainment quarter with an Imax-ready cinema, an outlet with about 70 stores, hotel, housing, cafes, restaurants, flexible workspaces, community spaces and parking for up to 900 cars.
"We're not just creating a place to shop, but a destination to linger, explore and enjoy," said Giles Membrey, Managing Director of Rioja Estates. "Our focus is on sustainable place-making that will create long-term value for visitors, brands, stakeholders and the local community."
Councillor Paula Waters-Bunn, deputy leader of the Labour Group at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: "This is something we have been working towards for many years. It will bring hundreds of new jobs for local people, drive economic growth and build on our reputation as a fantastic place to visit.
''We very much hope people will join us for the second set of public consultation sessions to find out more about what regenerating North Quay will offer the whole community.''
The North Quay regeneration will be phased, with a planning application scheduled to be submitted towards the end of July.
ยท To find out more about the North Quay regeneration, meet the team and provide feedback about the scheme, people are invited to attend drop-in sessions taking place at the Town Hall in Great Yarmouth on Thursday, July 9, from noon until 7pm, and on Friday, July 10, from 10am until 4pm.
