Schemes help Market Row recovery

Almost 13 years ago Bretts was close to the heart of the worst blaze in Great Yarmouth's memory. The fire in Market Row burned with such ferocity that it destroyed everything in its path, sending livelihoods up in smoke.

Almost 13 years ago Bretts was close to the heart of the worst blaze in Great Yarmouth's memory. The fire in Market Row burned with such ferocity that it destroyed everything in its path, sending livelihoods up in smoke.

The blaze took hold at the former Courts furniture among the settees and armchairs in the early hours of September 13, 1995.

Although arson attacks had been known in the area, the cause of the blaze was never proved.

The tight urban site has been particularly expensive to redevelop because of access problems and complex foundations with rubble-filled cellars.

With no private sector interest the projects, including a £1.7m development on the Courts site, have been some years in the making.

The new schemes also include cross passages aimed at encouraging shoppers and creating better access for the emergency services who struggled to find a way in to the blaze on that disastrous night.

In time, derelict over-grown land opposite Courts will be redeveloped for housing, completing Market Row's long recovery.