More than a dozen empty units, the receivers have been called in, and failing to sell at auction.

Is there any hope for Great Yarmouth's Victoria Arcade?

The shopping precinct - which was once a popular destination for shoppers in the town - has fallen on hard times due to an overall decline in footfall on the high street.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Victoria Arcade has more than a dozen empty units. Picture - NewsquestVictoria Arcade has more than a dozen empty units. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Archant © 2018)

But Great Yarmouth Civic Society chairman Hugh Sturzaker believes, with a radical idea, hope is not lost for the once thriving shopping centre.

Mr Sturzaker has raised the idea of a cooperative of potential shopkeepers and entrepreneurs to band together to buy the arcade from its current owners.

Mr Sturzaker said: "With a guide price at auction of £700,000, this would mean the average price of a unit would be less than £10,000, and there would be no rent to pay.

"The arcade has the advantage of having some architecturally pleasing shop fronts linked by a covered walkway which gives protection from inclement weather."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: FLASHBACK: Victoria Arcade (then known as Central Arcade), before 1987. Picture - Newsquest ArchivesFLASHBACK: Victoria Arcade (then known as Central Arcade), before 1987. Picture - Newsquest Archives

Mr Sturzaker also said the varying sizes of the units within the arcade make them adaptable for different purposes and could be a cheaper option for start-up businesses.

He added that the prospect of local people running the arcade for themselves would make them "far more adaptable and responsive to market trends than a property company based in Birmingham or London".

"Having a successful arcade here would bring more people into the town and would help in the regeneration of the town centre," Mr Sturzaker said.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Hugh Sturzaker, chairman of the Great Yarmouth Civic Society. Picture - NewsquestHugh Sturzaker, chairman of the Great Yarmouth Civic Society. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The Victoria Arcade recently failed to sell with a guide price of £625,000 at auction with Barnard Marcus.

The auction came as receivers were called into the arcade, which according to a government website is owned by HIS Investments.

Opened in 1926 as the Central Arcade, the premises was modernised in 1987 and renamed The Victoria Arcade.

What do you think of Mr Sturzaker's idea? Email your thoughts to james.weeds@newsquest.co.uk

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Victoria Arcade, from Regent Road. Picture - James WeedsVictoria Arcade, from Regent Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)