Gorleston Pier car park rescue bid fails

A BID by a prominent hotelier to re-open Gorleston pier car park has been turned down, it emerged this week.

Pier Hotel owner Rodney Scott wanted to negotiate a long term lease of the car park at the popular wave watching spot from owners EastPort.

The car park closed in June with port bosses saying the substantial repairs were needed to make it safe to use.

Mr Scott, who purchased the Edwardian era hotel last November, claims he may have to put new investment in the businesses on hold unless the car park re-opens.

He said: “I would like to spend around �250,000 improving and enlarging the ground floor bar and restaurant, but would not be able to do so without the parking situation being resolved. The hotel is right next to the pier, so of course we have been affected by the car park's closure.

“I have spoken with the port authority, but have not been able to achieve anything in the negotiations. I believe the repairs are quite manageable.

“Parking charges would be necessary at certain times to cover the cost and businesses could offer re-imbursements to customers that park there.”

EastPort has also been in discussions with Great Yarmouth Borough Council bosses over the shutting of the car park which has prompted protests from residents and business owners.

The council leased the car park from the old port authority for 21 years from 1965, when for a time parking charges were made which did not cover running costs.

EastPort Chief executive Eddie Freeman said: “I am surprised that Mr Scott has gone public on this, we thought these discussions were confidential.

“The cost of the repairs would substantial and we were not prepared to consider the length of lease that would make such a substantial investment viable.

“We had to take action to close the car park. After it was partially shut, people were moving barriers and leaving vehicles in areas that were not safe. Unfortunately, it will have to remain closed for the foreseeable future.”