Community invited to workshop to share ideas and shape masterplan for improving Middlegate area

Earlier this summer, Great Yarmouth Borough Council held a series of events enabling the Middlegate community to share their thoughts and aspirations for their neighbourhood. In addition, the council commissioned an independent technical and financial analysis to identify what options might be possible.

As the next stage of this process, the council is now inviting people to a Middlegate Design Workshop at Great Yarmouth Library on Friday, September 7. This will enable people to explore the ideas for potential improvements to Middlegate, understand what is possible and not possible, and discuss next steps for both the council and community.

People are welcome to drop into the workshop any time between noon and 8pm. However, to see a presentation of current ideas and take part in group discussions, people are asked to arrive at either at 12.30pm, 3.30pm or 6.30pm. The same presentation will take place at each slot.

The areas people are invited to discuss include possible housing improvements, community facilities and youth provision, as well as improving connectivity to the town centre and making the most of the area's rich cultural heritage. No decisions have yet been made.

Cllr Andy Grant, chairman of the housing and neighbourhoods committee, said: "This Government-funded feasibility study aims to build on the strengths of Middlegate and its strong community. For it to be a success, therefore, it is important that local people continue to be involved in developing the plans, and we hope lots of residents, businesses and community groups, from in and around Middlegate, will attend this workshop and help to shape the masterplan.

"It's important to stress that no decisions have yet been made. The ideas for discussion, which focus on boosting Middlegate as a place, have come about through independent technical and financial analysis of options, as well as a series of community events, which saw scores of people share their valuable thoughts and aspirations for Middlegate. 

"While recognising there are some issues and challenges to address, a clear message from the community is that people are mostly positive about living on Middlegate and are actively seeking to improve life skills and opportunities, so we're hoping for a strong turnout."

Those who are unable to attend the design workshop will be able to see the ideas and feed back their views online between September 7 and 21 at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/have-your-say Paper feedback forms and summary leaflets will also be available during this period at the Town Hall, Library, South Yarmouth Housing Office, Middlegate Hut, Comeunity and Harbour Radio.