Designs for the restoration of Winter Gardens finalised and main contractor set to be appointed

Working in collaboration with stakeholders - including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Norwich's John Innes Centre and the University of Cambridge Institute of Sustainability - the ambitious project has now reached the end of the detailed design stage for the renovation and refurbishment. 

This has included innovative and sustainable strategies for high-quality glazing, heating and cooling systems suitable for people and plants, significant planting, rainwater harvesting, irrigation and low energy and decarbonisation plans for the UK's last surviving Victorian glasshouse on a seaside promenade.

With the Winter Gardens due to open in the second half of 2027, the Council has been working with BREEAM - the world's leading science-based suite of validation and certification systems for a more sustainable built environment. After a technical assessment based on design development, a BREEAM 'Excellent' accreditation can be achieved. 

To be classified as 'Excellent' the work will also need to meet exacting standards around reducing carbon emissions, its low-impact design, adaptation to climate change, ecological value and biodiversity protection. The aim is to reduce life-cycle costs and increase asset value, as well as improving the visitor experience for the public.

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''We have set incredibly hight standards for work on the ambitious regeneration of the Winter Gardens.

''With these detailed and cutting-edge designs, we are determined to ensure we have a nationally significant landmark building here on the seafront in Great Yarmouth that is at the heart of the town's life, economy and historical legacy. It will provide a unique experience for residents and visitors for decades to come.''

With designs in place, the council has initiated the procurement to select and appoint a main contractor for the construction works, commencing with an Enabling Works package programmed to start later this year.   

The work on the Grade ll* listed building will see the restoration of its original features - including cast and wrought ironwork and lost details of timber screens to recapture its past grandeur, along with new services for the community.

Iain Robertson, Executive Director Major Projects, who is leading on the construction delivery at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''Working with our stakeholders, we have spent the last six months working through detailed designs for the Winter Gardens.

''The Winter Gardens, which is on the Historic England 'Buildings at Risk Register' is a bespoke and complex project of international and national significance with the key objective to save the building from further deterioration - so time is of the essence.

''We have comprehensive, imaginative and exciting planting strategies and have been guided by invaluable assistance from stakeholders and partners including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Cambridge University, The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and others.

''Apart from working to save the building, the team aims to create an all-year-round destination and a facility for the inclusion of the local community which is focused on free access for local people.''

The latest developments come after it was announced last year that The National Lottery Heritage Fund had awarded £12.3 million to Great Yarmouth Borough Council to deliver its vision for the Winter Gardens - Reimagining the People's Palace, a bold and inspiring programme, restoring the unique historic building to its former glory. The funding has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Combined with £4 million of investment from the Government's Town Deal Fund, the restored building will also feature community spaces, catering and opportunities for leisure, entertainment and learning.

Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "It is fantastic to see the renovation of Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens reach these crucial milestones. This pioneering project is one of our largest recent investments in the East of England and is part of our Heritage Horizons programme which focuses on supporting transformation in heritage.

"With an impressive commitment to sustainability, this project will save an iconic Great Yarmouth landmark and give it a future contributing to the community and economy of Great Yarmouth.''

Once work gets underway, the project will provide skills and training for 95 young people - including those not in employment, education or training. There will also be six paid placements in heritage and conservation, and six paid apprenticeships in hospitality, catering, business skills and horticulture.