Great Yarmouth Borough Council to consider moving North Quay redevelopment project to next stage

North Quay is identified as part of a waterfront regeneration site within the vision for the borough's growth, as set out in the Local Plan Core Strategy. This was adopted in 2015 following multiple rounds of public consultation and examination by an independent planning inspector.

A report to be considered by full council on July 11 highlights that North Quay has benefitted from significant recent highways investment in the wider area, including increased capacity at Fullers Hill roundabout, improved pedestrian and cycle links to the Market Place, and the railway station forecourt redevelopment. 

Despite its significant potential as a gateway to the town centre, it remains a complex riverside location, with multiple sites, owners, occupiers, uses and challenges, meaning the only feasible way comprehensive regeneration might come forward is through a degree of council involvement and close working with those in the area.

Over recent months, the council has undertaken initial discussions with some owners and occupiers about future aspirations and opportunities to explore the possibility of the council bringing forward this longer-term ambition by assembling the land required for regeneration to take place.

To progress work to the next stage, full council will be asked to allocate £2.5m to start the process of buying a number of sites at North Quay and to endorse ongoing conversations with property owners to facilitate redevelopment.

Cllr Carl Smith and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, the leaders of the main political groups, said: "The regeneration of Great Yarmouth's riverside areas in the heart of the town is a long-held and key ambition of the council, especially the North Quay area, which complements our vision for regeneration and investment set out in the Town Centre Masterplan.

"A number of sites currently have willing sellers, which is a limited window of opportunity. While the final decision to progress to the next stage is for full council, the redevelopment of North Quay could transform this key riverside and gateway site, acting as a catalyst for further investment, improving architectural quality, improving connectivity to the town centre and railway station and bringing a new offer to the town."

"Due to the complexity of the area, the only way comprehensive regeneration might come forward is through council involvement. Ownership of more of the site puts us in a much stronger position to potentially attract high-quality residential and/or retail and/or commercial and/or food and beverage offers to the borough."

"Initial conversations with a number of site owners have been positive. While there is still further work and discussions to be undertaken, allocating funds for purchase would build momentum and demonstrate genuine intent for a wider redevelopment."

The 4.07-hectare North Quay area, to the east of the River Yare and south of Fullers Hill roundabout, largely comprises a mixture of light industrial and commercial buildings, yards and car parks and areas of cleared land. The council will continue to engage with site owners and occupiers as the project progresses.