Work set to begin on major revamp of Great Yarmouth Market Place

The contractors, Tarmac, will be preparing the site over the coming weeks, with work to install new paving, benches, lighting and planters starting on Monday, June 24.

The de-cluttering and re-landscaping is designed to create a high-quality environment, encouraging people to spend more time in the town centre supporting shopping, dining and other activities, while preserving the historic character of the town centre.

Tarmac has a carefully planned schedule for the revamp to minimise disruption and the work is being carried out with local businesses, traders and residents at the forefront of consideration.

Pedestrian access and routes for deliveries will be maintained while the work takes place so that businesses and traders can continue to operate as smoothly as possible.

The first phase of the improvements will start at the north of the Market Place outside the Fishermen's Hospital. At the same time, work will begin alongside the east side of the covered market and at the two-day market area to the south.

The scheme will also see improvements to the area at the end of St Nicholas Road and the main pay and display car park. The entire scheme is scheduled to be complete by April 2025.

For the duration of the work, the two-day market will be relocated to the northern side of the covered market before locating back to the southern piazza area.

A spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: ''This exciting and high-quality regeneration will provide a major enhancement of the Market Place, creating an attractive, successful and vibrant space for Great Yarmouth.

''The scheme was drawn up after a public consultation and engagement sessions with key stakeholders including businesses, the Civic Society and the Town Centre Partnership and - coupled with the new covered market and the work to revitalise the former Palmers department store into a new community library and learning hub, The Place - means we will have a town centre that can thrive for years to come.''

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