People enjoy tours of Winter Gardens as part of National Lottery Open Week

Members of the Great Yarmouth Borough Council project team organised four tours on Saturday, March 15, for people to learn more about the scheme to breathe new life into the UK's last surviving Victorian glasshouse on a seaside promenade.

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''The plans for the Winter Gardens are so exciting and progressing well. National Lottery Open Week provided us with a perfect opportunity to offer tours of this iconic building and explain more about the project.

''The Winter Gardens is at the heart of the town's life, economy and historical legacy. Its restoration will provide a unique experience for residents and visitors for decades to come.

''We want to create a year-round destination and a facility for the local community and visitors which is focused on free access for local people.''

With designs in place, the council is now engaged in the procurement process to select and appoint a main contractor for the construction, starting with an Enabling Works package programmed to start later this year

The work on the Grade ll* listed building - due to be completed in the second half of 2027 - will see the restoration of its original features and a comprehensive and imaginative planting strategy that has been guided by assistance from stakeholders and partners, including the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund last year 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 £6 million of investment from the Government's Town Deal Fund, the Winter Gardens will also feature community spaces, catering and opportunities for leisure, entertainment and learning.

National Lottery Open Week ran from March 15 until March 23 and is a way for National Lottery-funded venues to say thank you to players for the £30 million raised for good causes every week, by offering free entry, discounts and special offers.