Residents and community groups have visited the Winter Gardens on Great Yarmoth's Golden Mile ahead of its restoration.

In 2021, the iconic landmark was announced as one of five projects across the country to be awarded a Heritage Horizon Award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

A Great Yarmouth Borough Council spokesperson said the £10m award will see the iron and glass structure restored to its former glory as a "people's palace".

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Members of the YMCA visited the Winter Gardens on Great Yarmouth seafront. Picture - GYBCMembers of the YMCA visited the Winter Gardens on Great Yarmouth seafront. Picture - GYBC (Image: GYBC)

As part of the Winter Gardens consultation work, the council team has been running workshops, site visits and events to explain the plans for the seafront landmark and seek community feedback and input.

The town's Civic Society recently hosted a presentation on the project, and Great Yarmouth Local History and Archaeological Society have been updated on the building's concept designs.

YMCA groups from Great Yarmouth and Norwich also had a tour of the building and learned about the redevelopment plans.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Restoration Trust were involved in consultations inside the Winter Gardens in February. Picture - GYBCThe Restoration Trust were involved in consultations inside the Winter Gardens in February. Picture - GYBC (Image: GYBC)

Rachel Daniel, Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s Winter Gardens partnership and engagement co-ordinator, said: ''We are working hard to ensure we meet with as many local groups as possible and will continue to work with the community and seek ideas and input as the work progresses."

The project is currently in its development phase, and the council is working with a project team, local partners and communities to develop plans for the landmark' building's conservation, design, business model and activities.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Consultations with members from the YMCA inside the Winter Gardens. Picture - GYBCConsultations with members from the YMCA inside the Winter Gardens. Picture - GYBC (Image: GYBC)

Originally constructed in Torquay in 1878 and brought to the seafront in 1904 for just £1, the Winter Gardens is the country's last surviving Victorian glass house. 

Concept designs of the restoration were revealed ahead of the Lottery Fund bid in 2021. Images showed the interior with beautiful gardens, galleries and café areas offering entertainment and education to visitors. 

Pending approval from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project's completion is scheduled for 2026.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Winter Gardens has been closed since 2008. Picture - NewsquestThe Winter Gardens has been closed since 2008. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)