Everyone invited to view concept designs for new Water and Leisure Complex planned for Great Yarmouth borough

Under the plans by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the famous Golden Mile is set for a once-in-a-generation investment to benefit the seafront and whole borough for up to 40 years, acting as a catalyst for further investment and an important community hub for the promotion of both indoor and outdoor physical activity.

Significant project development work, already undertaken with a design team of architects and sports consultants, identifies that a new and improved centre on the same site is better value for money than refurbishing the existing, or re-building in a different location, and also minimises impact on the seafront during works.

Full council has confirmed the site of the existing Marina Centre, on Marine Parade, as the proposed location for the new state-of-the-art facility and is now moving to the next stage of project development, which includes two weeks of public engagement from Wednesday, 6 March to Tuesday 19 March 2019.

Exhibition boards will be on public display in both the Marina Centre and Gorleston Library throughout the two weeks, with staffed drop-in exhibition sessions as follows:

• Wednesday, March 6, 11am-3pm - at Marina Centre
• Thursday, March 7, 11am-7pm - at Marina Centre
• Thursday, March 14, 11am-7pm - at Gorleston Library

People will also be able to find out more and share their feedback online between March 6 and 19 at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/golden-mile

In a joint statement, Cllr Graham Plant and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, the political group leaders, said: "This exciting water and leisure complex represents a major investment for the benefit of the seafront and whole borough for 40 years, enhancing the year-round visitor economy, acting as a catalyst for further investment, and supporting health, well-being and fitness opportunities for people across the borough.   

"This will be a facility for everyone, all our residents and visitors, so everyone is invited to attend the drop-in exhibition sessions and take the opportunity to meet the design team, view the concept designs and artist's impressions and give vital feedback towards shaping the look and feel of a proposed scheme, which will be subject to formal consultation as part of the planning application process later in the year.

"We have seen the artist's impressions already and we are really excited. This is about the future: the sort of facility we want our children and grandchildren to have and enjoy. The Marina Centre was great in its day but is an ageing inefficient building, nearing the end of its life, and would require significant investment to remain fully operational and meet customer expectations in the longer term. To do nothing would result in a large empty building in a prime site on the seafront, which no one wants to see.

"While there will be unavoidable temporary disruption for users, which we will seek to minimise, we have here a once-in-a-generation golden opportunity to do something really special that will be a game-changer for the seafront and bring so many benefits for residents across the borough for decades to come. We look forward to seeing lots of people at the exhibition sessions at the Marina Centre and Gorleston Library."

The concept designs reflect the prime seafront location and the council's ambition to create a truly year-round "anchor attraction", including two water flumes, a splash pad, confidence water area, learner pool, and a six-lane 25m pool with full disabled access. The complex will also be equipped with a state-of-the-art health suite with sauna, steam and spa; a 100-station health and fitness gym, indoor climbing facility; fitness and spin studios; soft play area; and a café with fabulous views over the famous beach.

Subject to final agreement from full council and subsequent planning approval, on-site work is currently scheduled to start in winter 2019/20, with the complex open for summer 2021. The indicative cost for the development is £20m to £26m. The council is currently progressing its investment plan, with sources of funding from the council as well as external funding sources.