Great Yarmouth awarded £20m to level up town centre

The borough has been named as one of 55 towns across the UK to receive millions of pounds over the next decade to help improve local economies.

The Prime Minister announced on Sunday the new long-term vision for towns, backed by £1bn of investment.

The money is set to be used on local priorities such as reviving high streets, tackling antisocial behaviour, improving transport, boosting visitor numbers and growing the local economy.

The windfall comes as the town was awarded a further £20m to regenerate the North Quay in January.

Great Yarmouth MP Sir Brandon Lewis. Picture - PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)Great Yarmouth MP Sir Brandon Lewis said: "The news of further money to support the town is excellent news, and should build on recent and ongoing investments being made by the council and government."

Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith in front of the Winter Gardens. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said he was delighted with the news.

"We're going to work with the government to get more details on how we're going to be able to apply the funding to regenerate the town centre," he said.

"We need to see what's in the detail as it is over ten years. But this is great news."

Great Yarmouth town centre has seen some projects to help regenerate the area already, including the £4.7m market revamp. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)As part of the investment, the town will set up a town board, bringing together community leaders, employers, local authorities and the local MP, to help deliver a plan for consultation.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said the town boards would be able to use a suite of regeneration powers while deploying the new funding.

Officials suggested more private sector investment could be unlocked by auctioning empty high street shops, reforming licensing rules on shops and restaurants, and supporting more housing in urban centres.

Great Yarmouth Town Hall. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)They said research showed communities want to see more green spaces created and market days established to enhance town centres, with policing hotspots implemented to make public spaces safer.

Great Yarmouth's recently elected Labour parliamentarty candidate Keir Cozens said: "Extra money is always a plus, but let's not kid ourselves. 

"Every government announcement comes with flashy promises, only to end up in chaos and delays."

Work has recently started on the regeneration of the former Palmers department store into a library and education centre. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)