The name of a new £17m library, university and learning centre being developed in Great Yarmouth town centre has been revealed.

Named The Place, the centre is based in the former Palmers Department Store and is due to open in September.

Once converted, The Place will be home to Great Yarmouth's public library - currently located in Tolhouse Road - along with adult learning provision, a registry office and other community services such as Citizens Advice.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A visualisation of the inside of The Place Picture: GYBCA visualisation of the inside of The Place Picture: GYBC (Image: Great Yarmouth Borough Council)

It will also be the base for a University Learning Centre from where East Coast College and the University of Suffolk will offer degree and diploma courses, as well as access to higher education and adult learning courses.

The University of East Anglia will also offer courses from the site.

In announcing the name, Great Yarmouth Borough Council says The Place "reflects the prominent location in the town’s marketplace and looks towards the future of the building". 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The logo for The Place development Picture: GYBCThe logo for The Place development Picture: GYBC (Image: GYBC)

Council leader Carl Smith said: "The Place is hugely significant for Great Yarmouth. We are committed to working hard to help fulfil the aspirations of those in our community.

"This amazing new learning hub not only provides a modern and welcoming library for the community, but also offers the people of Great Yarmouth fantastic new opportunities to learn and attain qualifications that are crucial to delivering the jobs and careers of the future."

The history of Palmers is also being retained at The Place, with parts of its heritage being incorporated into the refurbishment.

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

Stained glass windows with the letter P from various eras were uncovered during the strip-out and these are being restored and integrated into the design.

The project is being funded via £8.1m from the government’s Town Deal, with a further £3.4m from the Future High Streets Fund. East Coast College and the University of Suffolk are contributing £3.5m and Norfolk County Council £2m.