Early work for town centre transformation gets underway

Great Yarmouth Borough Council launched plans to improve the public spaces around the market and shopping area in February this year, asking for the views of residents and visitors.

Now contractors for the council will dig a series of trial pits around the area to help fine-tune the designs for new planting, paving, and seating.

The work will give a better understanding of ground conditions and will also see the installation of options for new paving ahead of the full works.

The plans take in an area from Priory Plain through the Market Place to the junction of King Street and Regent Street. Small pits will be dug throughout the area, starting from next week with the work expected to last around three weeks.

There will be some noise and disruption during the work, but the contractors aim to maintain access for shoppers and businesses throughout.

Once complete, the revamp is expected to include high-quality durable new paving, new benches, and trees and planters.

They also include enlarged flexible event spaces either side of the covered market. The first phase of a more welcoming, more spacious, and greener market building opened in May.

The project is being funded with cash from the Government's Future High Street Fund, which aims to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that drives growth, improves experience and ensures future sustainability.