Yarmouth council to decide on Marina Centre funding

Artist’s impression of proposed new Marina Centre in Great Yarmouth. Picture: Great Yarmouth Borough Council

A new leisure centre in a Norfolk town could move a step closer to reality when councillors are asked to agree on funding and submit a planning application.

Artist’s impression of proposed new Marina Centre in Great Yarmouth. Picture: Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council decided last year to rebuild rather than refurbish the Marina Centre, the leisure complex on the town’s seafront.

Public feedback on the design, gathered during two weeks of consultation in March, was considered by the council last month and has helped shape the look of the plans.

The proposal has not been without its critics, with concerns raised about the loss of facilities while the centre is out of action, while financial difficulties around the closure have also held the scheme up.

On Thursday 27th June, full council will be asked to start the formal planning process, with the aim of submitting a planning application next month.

Artist’s impression of proposed new Marina Centre in Great Yarmouth. Picture: Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

The councillors will also be asked to allocate funding to demolish the existing centre and build the new complex, subject to planning permission.

The total project cost is approximately £25.9m.

If the plan is approved the Marina Centre will close to the public on October 31st for the initial demolition work, with the Retroskate park remaining open for the roller-skating gala on November 9th and 10th, before full demolition over the winter.