Great Yarmouth: Former Palmers store plans to be discussed

The former Palmers department store on Market Place is set to be transformed into an education and community hub. Plans for the landmark store were unveiled in 2020, and include a public library and adult education centre.

On Wednesday, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's development control committee will decide whether the building will be permitted a change of use from a retail unit into an education centre.

The former Palmers department store in Great Yarmouth. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

As well as its partnership with East Coast College, the University of Suffolk and the University of East Anglia, plans for repairs and a new town centre entrance will also be discussed.

Proposed repairs include restoring external building fabric and replacing doors and windows.

When it is complete, the university centre is estimated to have 40 staff, with 10 to 15 in the building at any one time during opening hours. The library and registry office is expected to have 12 members of staff, with three registrars and five librarians in the building during hours of operation.

A glimpse of the planned interior of the new learning centre based inside the former Palmers building in Great Yarmouth. Picture - Great Yarmouth Borough Council (Image: GYBC)

There are also plans for registered users to have 24/7 access via key card when the centre is unstaffed.

Existing plans also allocate 20 covered cycle parking spaces "to further encourage sustainable modes of transport".

It is believed the building's change of use will increase footfall to the town centre "and bring community uses closer to communities".

FLASHBACK: The skylight as it was in 2012. Picture - Newsquest. (Image: Newsquest)

In December, our reporter had a look inside the building. It was revealed the skylight on the first floor will be unboarded and restored, and a hole will be made in the ground floor, allowing natural light into the space.

While clearing the interior, workers discovered a medieval wall on the south side of the ground floor. The wall will remain in what will become the children's library.

The new learning hub is expected to open its doors in September 2024.

An artist impression showing the gallery/exhibition space in the new learning centre taking shape in the former Palmers department store in Great Yarmouth. Picture - Great Yarmouth Borough Council (Image: GYBC)