Great Yarmouth library and university centre

We are working towards creating a £15m new library and university centre in the former Palmers department store in the Great Yarmouth Market Place.

East Coast College and the University of Suffolk have formally committed to the scheme. The college will teach degree level courses at the new centre, accredited by the university.

The University of East Anglia is also backing the project, with plans to offer remote learning facilities for its students and professional development courses.

Norfolk County Council intends to create a new library, to replace the existing facility in Tolhouse Street, and will also host the county's award-winning adult learning service, registrars, and other information and community services.

In addition to the funding from East Coast College, the University of Suffolk, and Norfolk County Council, the project is being backed by nearly £7.5m from central government via Great Yarmouth's Town Deal programme and £2.4m from the Future High Streets Fund, secured by Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

The project so far

In April 2022 we asked building firms to bid for the work to strip out and get the building ready for development, with initial work scheduled for summer 2022. This work is now underway. Design and construction will then start on the new facilities, which are expected to open in stages from autumn 2023.

How you can help

We want to hear from the public about what they would like to see from the education and community centre.

Together with Norfolk County Council and East Coast College, we are now consulting on options for the new library and learning offers:

• visit the Learning hub survey (opens new window) to share your views
  (please note: this survey is administered by Tricolor Associates on behalf of the project partners)