Member News

We currently have two Solicitor vacancies. Would you like to join the small and friendly Hatch Brenner team on Theatre Street in Norwich City centre?

Part-time Employment Law Solicitor Vacancy

Are you looking for a new challenge? We have a flexible opportunity for a Solicitor within our Norwich city centre office. We are currently looking for a Solicitor with particular expertise in Employment Law to join our Dispute Resolution team on a part time basis (minimum three days a week). With at least three years PQE, the successful candidate will be equipped to support employer and employee clients on a range of legal matters. Some business development experience and an existing network of local contacts would be ideal to continue to develop our Employment Law services.

Residential Property Solicitor Vacancy

We are currently looking for a new Solicitor to join our busy Residential Property team. With at least three years PQE, the successful candidate should have an extensive network of local contacts to help develop our residential property services and provide guidance and support to the existing successful team.

Please send a copy of your CV to Ian Johnson at [email protected]

You may think that if the estate you are dealing with is not looking likely to breach the Inheritance Tax threshold that you don’t need a professional certified valuation of the chattels. Think again! Are you quite certain that an old master isn’t languishing in the attic? Are you positive that the old pot that holds dried flowers and sits in the corner of the conservatory isn’t a rare 17th century Chinese Imperial vase? If you’re quite happy in your ability to recognise one of these hidden gems thats fine,but if not……..read on!

Several years ago, a charity shop local to me at the time, had a large box containing various clothing and other bits and bobs left on their doorstep overnight…..quite clearly the residue from a deceased estate. On unpacking the items they found what they described as “an old broken wooden thing” and decided that they had better bring it along for me to take a look at. This, after it had sat on the shop shelves priced at £10 for twenty minutes or so.

This “old broken wooden thing” was quite probably the rarest Chinese carved bamboo brush pot ever to come up for auction and it subsequently sold for over £350,000………yes, over a third of a million pounds!

Now obviously this in itself meant that the value of the estate from which it originated breached the IHT threshold but there is something else of huge importance to factor in here. And that is that the sum achieved in auction was a ‘life changing’ amount of money, and with the contents not being checked by a professional prior to dispersal……..somebody missed out in a big, big way!

Did we ever find out just where the brush pot came from? No we didn’t although a few did come forward and ‘claim’ that it came from within their family. However without a ‘gift aid’ form being filled out there was no valid grounds for any compensation anyway, so it will remain a mystery.

So what is the moral of this story……..because there is always a moral to a good tale!

Well its quite simply this. ALL deceased estates should have the chattels valued by a certified professional prior to probate…….a service I offer throughout Norfolk, its neighbouring counties and beyond.

For the sake of the fees involved you can save a lot of potential heartache!

For further details take a look at my website mfvaluations.com Contact me via email at [email protected] or give me a call on 07806 360312

Anglian Water has today announced who will form its new Strategic Pipeline Alliance after a competitive procurement process.

The water company will join forces with construction and engineering giants Costain, Farrans, Jacobs and Mott MacDonald Bentley as part of a contract worth over £350 million, to complete one of the largest strategic water infrastructure projects the UK has ever seen.

The programme forms a key part of Anglian’s Water Resources Management Plan which looks 25 years ahead to manage and secure the water resources by safe-guarding against the potential future impacts of water scarcity, climate change and growth, while protecting the environment.

A vital element of the ambitious plan is to create up to 500km of interconnecting pipes and associated pumping equipment, as well as upgrading existing infrastructure to allow water transfer across Anglian Water’s region. Its single aim is to make the East resilient to the risks of drought by securing water supplies for future generations.

By installing new pipework to better join up the existing water network, the water company will be able to move water more freely around the region in stages, from areas of water surplus in north Lincolnshire down, to the south and east of the region, where it is less readily available.

Strategic Pipeline Alliance Director, James Crompton, said: “The challenges of population growth and a changing climate are felt nowhere more keenly than here in the East of England, which is one of the driest parts of the UK. Starting this project is a significant part of our planned investment in the region over the next five years, which will begin to tackle those challenges and secure customer supplies well into the future.

“The programme will make it possible to reduce the amount of water taken from the environment, as well as strengthening resilience by reducing the number of homes and businesses which rely on a single water source.

“It will be a complex and challenging major infrastructure development. It presents an exciting opportunity for these civil engineering, design and construction experts and we’re delighted to have four such prestigious partners on board.”

Anglian Water has already proven the durability and success of an alliancing way of working. In 2015, the company signed 15-year contracts with its existing partners but recognised the need for specialist engineering and construction for such a large-scale project. The tendering process to form the new strategic alliance began last year.

James continued: “We’ve seen how successful and powerful a truly integrated and collaborative alliancing approach can be and now we’re building on it. Each of our new partners bring not only a wealth of experience but they also bring new mindsets, thinking and innovation for what is an incredibly exciting project, but also collectively, one of the largest investments in our water infrastructure we’ve made in recent years.”

• One in seven (15%) people in the East of England lack the ‘essential digital skills’ needed for day-to-day life online
• But, more than a third (39%) have boosted digital skills during lockdown

One in eight (13%) people in the East of England were unable to use the internet by themselves prior to lockdown, lacking the basic skills required to communicate, shop or bank online, the latest Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index (CDI) has revealed.

Technology is now a necessity for keeping connected, working remotely and accessing vital information. Research1 carried out before the introduction of lockdown restrictions showed that one in seven (15%) of those surveyed in the East of England lacked the digital skills needed for everyday life2, with more than one in ten (11%) unable to connect a device to a Wi-Fi network, and around one in ten (9%) unable to turn on a device and log into accounts or profiles they have.

However, in a separate poll3 carried out after lockdown measures were introduced, more than a third (39%) of people said they have now taken action to boost their digital skills for work, health and well-being during the crisis.

Matt Hubbard, Lloyds Banking Group’s Ambassador for the East of England, said: “Being online has proven to be incredibly valuable in recent months as we all adapt to working from home and keeping in touch with loved ones remotely.

“It’s worrying to see that there are still people in the East who are struggling with essential digital skills. But, with so many people in the region working to boost their skills, we’re narrowing the digital skills gap and it’s clear that many are doing their bit to help friends and loved ones stay connected.

“We also understand that it shouldn’t fall to individuals alone to boost their digital skills and are committed to helping people and businesses with this challenge. That’s why we’ve got Digital Champions on hand to help people get online, and for those wanting to develop their skills there is the Lloyds Bank Academy, a free online resource designed to help with basic online training.”

Even before lockdown, people in the East of England with high levels of digital engagement recognised the benefits of these skills, with eight in ten (80%) saying it helps them stay connected to friends and family, more than half (54%) say it improved their ability to get a job, and more than a third (35%) reporting it helps manage and improve their physical and mental health.

Boosting skills in lockdown

In the last few weeks of UK lockdown, almost nine in ten (87%) of people surveyed in the East of England believe that the situation has escalated the need to be online and over eight in ten people (86%) have felt that technology has been a vital support during the outbreak.

Almost one in four (39%) across the East of England have taken action and boosted their digital skills, with more than a third (35%) reporting they have up-skilled for work reasons, while four in ten (41%) are using technology more than usual to help them with their health and wellbeing.

Of those in the East of England who have improved their skills, six in ten (61%) are self-taught, a fifth (21%) are calling upon family members for support and a similar proportion (20%) are relying on friends.

More than one in three (39%) in the East of England have also helped other people improve their digital skills during this period. Staying in touch with others is the most popular reason to ask for help, with more than two thirds (68%) of people helping their family members to use apps such as Zoom or WhatsApp. This is followed by banking and shopping cited by more than a third (38%) of respondents.

Encouragingly, more than half (59%) of people in the East of England want to continue to boost their skills beyond the current climate, with almost a quarter (23%) having used the time at home to do online learning to improve digital skills.

Stephen Noakes, Managing Director, Retail Transformation, Lloyds Bank, said: “The impact of lockdown has brought into sharp focus just how important digital skills are, when all of a sudden it may be the only way for some people to stay connected to loved ones, buy food or get hold of other essential items such as medicine.

“While this unprecedented situation may have a greater impact on those who remain digitally excluded than those who are online, it is encouraging that this has focused people’s attention on digital capability as a vital life skill. We and many others have responded to this with extra support, including free training through our Academy, but more needs to be done to close the digital divide.”

Helping to address the digital divide

The latest Consumer Digital Index also shows that without any intervention, by 2030, a quarter of the UK will still have a very low level of digital engagement.

To help people improve their skills Lloyds Bank is running online digital skills training via the Lloyds Bank Academy. Free webinars are held each week providing access to digital experts, training on key skills and opportunities for virtual networking to support individuals, local businesses and charities. Everyone can access free online resources at www.lloydsbankacademy.com.

In addition, through a new partnership with WeAreDigital, a specialist phone line has been introduced to help up to 20,000 customers access the internet and learn new skills to help with everyday digital tasks such as online shopping and connecting virtually with family and friends, as well as online banking. Over 20,000 of the Group’s Digital Champions are also using online volunteering platforms and telephone services to help the most vulnerable in society during this difficult time.

Norfolk and Waveney cancer charity, Big C, has been awarded crucial funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to support the charity’s emergency response helping cancer patients and their families during the Covid-19 pandemic. Big C has been awarded £100,000 to assist with six months of funding for a raft of services which the team at Big C rapidly adapted and created as the pandemic took hold. This includes a specialist telephone support line, live chat support, telephone counselling, welfare advice, ‘Ask the Nurse’ support via Big C’s virtual centre, physical and mental wellbeing videos, wellbeing packs and emergency delivery services.

Dr Chris Bushby, Chief Executive at Big C said, “During what is an extremely challenging and difficult time for the charity sector, the news of National Lottery funding is very welcome. We, along with many other charities, are experiencing a perfect storm where we have suffered a sudden drop in funding against a need to invest in services to help the increasing number of people who need our support. Many of these people are among the most vulnerable at this incredibly difficult time. “The funding is also great recognition for our team who are passionate about the role they play in helping those local people affected by cancer and have worked tirelessly to deliver the very best support for our service users.” Chris continued, “This year marks Big C’s 40th anniversary. Our supporters have been instrumental in the success of the

If you are interested in fundraising for Big C, please visit fundraise.big-c.co.uk www.big-c.co.uk

A new survey on the Tourism, Leisure and hospitality sector has been launched this week by leading players in the sector to gather detailed financial details from across the sector to establish the true cost to the sector of this pandemic.

“All the businesses in this sector are facing huge challenges that nobody would ever have imagined they would experience” said Chris Scargill, Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality specialist partner at MHA Larking Gowen, the business advisors.  “While some parts of the sector are in the early stages of re-opening, the vast majority are hoping the potential date of 4 July is a reality and regulations eased then, but it is accepted that some parts of the  sector are likely to be last to be released from lockdown.  Even when they open, they will have to operate in a completely new way, with greatly reduced capacity and revenue, whilst working with expensive and challenging guidelines.

There are some big challenges ahead and in light of this we have been working with some key tourism and leisure business leaders across the sector to create a survey researching the likely outcomes over the next nine months”.

One of the key players party to the creation of the survey and the importance of this research is Ian Russell MBE of Wroxham Barns and Chairman Where to Go in North Norfolk. He said “There are many organisations working on behalf of the tourism, leisure and hospitality sector, lobbying Government on the local industry’s behalf. MPs in Norfolk and Suffolk have been supportive of the sector and they too are doing all they can to represent businesses and fully understand the jobs the sector has created.   

“The Government’s support via the Job Retention Scheme, CBILS, Bounce Back and business support grants have all helped support most businesses through this period of closure, but these programmes may not be sufficient to take businesses safely through until more positive times return.

I feel this type of research is really important, and we need the businesses in the sector to get behind the survey.  In asking for sector support from Government, businesses understand that they have to evidence the complex set of pressures which could cause that “perfect storm” next winter”.

The surveys launch has been facilitated by the group issuing a letter to other key business owners, highlighting the need for the collection of business data. In addition to Ian Russell and Chris Scargill, the signatories to the survey include Dr Andy Wood of Adnams who is also Chair of Visit East of England and a member of VisitEngland Advisory Board, Andrew Hird, Chair of Visit North Norfolk, Martin Dupee a Director of both, Norfolk & Suffolk Attractions and Visit East of England, Peter Williamson, Chair of Norfolk & Suffolk Tourist Attractions and Greg Munford, Chief Executive Director, Richardson’s Boating Holidays and Holiday Parks and also Chair of British Marine.

Andrew Hird said “A key priority for businesses is keeping their teams and customers safe. Early research is indicating that guests are very unsure about visiting hospitality venues until they are sure that they can be kept safe. Notwithstanding all endeavours to reassure and comply with government guidelines, it is not clear when customer confidence will return, and that will have an impact on business performance.”

Martin Dupee said “we know our local attractions are working hard to open and operate safely.  We know that on opening the local, loyal customers will visit first, and looking after them is essential. In doing so, however, businesses face further financial hardship due to investment and management of those provisions – creating than normal costs at a time of lower capacity and income.

Peter Williamson, chair of Norfolk and Suffolk Tourist attractions added “There has been a lot of general commentary on the sensitivity of the situation, but there is now a clamour for real facts, which this survey intends to provide. There is widespread concern that the “three winters” scenario will put a significant number of businesses and jobs at risk.”

Chris Scargill added “The survey does require some time to pull the numbers together, but it is the key numbers that will give us the evidence we need”. 

The survey, which can be paused, saved and returned to is available online only.  If you would like to support the survey, please contact [email protected].

I’m sure we can agree that the past few months have affected us all in some way or another, myself being included.

Being a recruiter it’s my job to be in charge of the recruitment process which I’ve been used to for the past 8 years, until it was my turn to be recruited and this was taken out of our hands by Covid-19.

After working for a national recruitment agency for the past six years I decided I wanted to be a part of the Atkinson Moss team, a team that has built a fantastic reputation in the local market and reflected my values in the industry. I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity that matches my expertise of joining the Office Support division with the added bonus of working alongside Claire Pitt.

With the world of recruitment changing in a matter of weeks, I found myself caught up in an unprecedented situation with the job market changing overnight. My faith and belief in Atkinson Moss and what they stand for was strengthened further when Angie and Graham took the time to call me to reassure me that they still wanted me and my job was safe.

This was a huge relief and my excitement was reignited, I couldn’t wait to be a part of the AM team (whenever this could be possible).

My start date was confirmed shortly after, however my first week wasn’t exactly how any of us would have imagined! My laptop, essentials and a thoughtful welcome gift were delivered to me by Graham (albeit at a distance) the weekend before my first day. I immediately set up my make shift working from home office – not quite the lovely St Georges works offices I expected but I made do.

Monday morning came and it felt like I was sat next to Graham undertaking my first day in the office, (Thank goodness for Zoom) we spoke all day as he navigated me virtually around the system, database and tools I would need to hit the ground running. I feel that I have been able to pick up everything that is required and have been able to very quickly get on with my new job as if I were physically in the office. All that was missing was the direct contact with people I was so excited to work with.

In my few weeks out of recruitment a lot had changed, more than anyone could have predicted and I found myself being educated around the state of the current market by colleagues, candidates and clients, each of whom had a different experience. I was learning about the different ways it had affected them and importantly how they adapted and overcame the ‘new’ normal.

Although my onboarding process wasn’t exactly how we had planned, it was supportive, seamless and most importantly it worked. I know from my personal experience that with technology, a positive attitude and planning it can work for clients and candidates who need flexibility during these uncertain times. Being open to new ideas and utilising the technology available to us is not something that should be resisted when looking to welcome new recruits. It can be hugely effective and gives the flexibility to start a new employee from home which can be a benefit to all.

At Atkinson Moss we have proven experience of how this has worked for us and we are happy to share our experiences to help make it work for you.

At Breakwater IT we want to provide our clients with five-star customer service in the most convenient ways. When a client gets in touch with us, this usually means something within their IT has gone wrong. This can often cause stress and interruptions to their working day. Our engineers aim to resolve these problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. Therefore, we are always investing in new technologies to support both our clients and our team. We are pleased to now officially introduce the Breakwater Hub. The Hub is a new way for our clients to log IT tickets. Using an installed desktop application or web browser, each individual staff member can login to their own platform and give a detailed report of their issue. Pre-set questionnaires for ticket requests allow individuals to answer simple questions within the Hub. This helps to minimise the back and forth between our engineers and clients. When received by an engineer, these questions enable them to identify and resolve the issue quickly. Sometimes, an engineer may still need additional details from the client. In this instance, they can reply to the client directly in the Hub. The client can also then respond using a simple chat function. The Hub contains useful features for our clients, allowing them to not only raise new tickets but monitor open and closed tickets. When checking on an open ticket, individuals can use the chat, see which engineer is assigned to the ticket, the priority level, ticket number and more. They can even close the ticket if needed. When reviewing closed tickets there is an option to reopen a ticket within 30 days if the issue has resurfaced. They can also view all the details from the ticket history. Additional features can also be added to a certain employees Hub. The features available now include invoicing and quotes. These functions allow those employees to view their invoices and any quotes given with Breakwater. We will also be introducing new features soon including an instant messaging chat function, and shops. Shops will allow clients to browse products such as laptops, monitors, accessories and more! They are then able to order these directly with us using the Hub. The Hub has been in testing recently with a few clients, but is now being rolled-out to all existing and new clients. We are excited to move forward with a new, more efficient way of supporting businesses with their IT. For more information on our services, get in touch: www.breakwaterit.co.uk | 01603 709300 | [email protected]

Fears of impending job losses in the wake of the Coronavirus lock-down have triggered rising interest in Start Up training according to business training and business support specialists MENTA.

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Would-be entrepreneurs can now receive advice and support to get their ventures off the ground from the comfort of their own home from MENTA trainers via Zoom and its new MENTA LIVE training sessions.

MENTA switched its face-to-face Start-up training to new online workshops within days of the lock-down announcement in March, has found that far from curtailing ambition, the enforced time at home was encouraging many clients to pursue their long-held start up dreams.

Participants from across Norfolk and Suffolk can sign up to three fully-funded training sessions covering business basics and viability, marketing, and bookkeeping and taxation.

Each interactive session will walk you through what you need to know about starting and running a business and there are also spreadsheets to help with financial forecasting and bookkeeping – all designed to ensure you stay on top of the numbers.

John Neild, Enterprise Programme and Contracts Manager at MENTA, said: “We are seeing a lot of interest in the new Workshop Live format including among people currently being furloughed by their employees or facing redundancy because of the pandemic.

“Many who are signing up are telling us that they want to use the time available during lock-down to work on their business ideas. The beauty of Workshop Live is that you only need a laptop or a mobile to sign in and take part.

“We’re delighted to have been able to turn these sessions around so quickly and help as many people as we can make the best use of their time during the lock-down. The feedback we have had so far has been fantastic, with many of those taking part telling us that they are delighted to receive this free help at what could otherwise be a very worrying time.” John Neild said.

MENTA training sessions are being run on an ongoing basis – to find out more and find the next available details click here ‍

to discuss the training further, please email [email protected]

MINI Sports A WINNING Design

From loaning our MINI to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Charity (NNUH Charity) to help with the deliverance of vital chemotherapy drugs to oncology patients at Spire Hospital, to raising an incredible £837 for the charity as well as launching a Mini Roof Competition to lift spirits and provide the opportunity for families and individuals to get creative…Chatsbrook have made a monumental and positive impact on our community. 

NOW, after receiving a total of 36 entries from a variety of ages, we are excited to reveal the winning MINI Roof Design and its creator!

CONGRATULATIONS TO DANIEL HORNBY– A local Artist, Illustrator and Graphic Designer- it’s no wonder his design is incredible!  

His vibrant design perfectly captured the industries Chatsbrook support AND we loved the vibrant and abstract inclusion of the NHS rainbow.

We invited Daniel to see his winning design on the MINI for the FIRST TIME…

“I am really happy to have won this competition! It looks even better than I imagined in real life!”-Daniel Hornby.

Scarlet Francis, at Chatsbrook, articulated “Daniel’s design won us over. It was a pleasure to be able to invite him to see the fruits of his labour! The bright design has already put smiles on lots of people’s faces- certainly making any future #MINIAdventure very exciting!”

The winning design incorporates the NHS rainbow- a symbol that will forever be embedded in our minds. Our Chatsbrook MINI completed a total of 137 runs, clocked over 437 miles and delivered treatment for over 2220 patients! It is our way to symbolize our continued support of key workers. If you happen to spot the Chatsbrook MINI on its travels, don’t forget to #ChatsbrookMINI for a chance to be featured on our page! 

Jamie Goodman, Volunteer Driver Co-Ordinator at NNUH Charity, relayed “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the trust had to take alternative measures to effectively treat our patients safely working in partnership with the Spire Hospital. It is only with the generous donations from Chatsbrook that we have been able to support the oncology team in delivering care off-site.”

It has been fantastic to see the extent that collective efforts can have on a local community-Thank you to everyone involved!

AND A HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR DANIEL HORNBY!

Start your journey to optimum health with our online 6 week course

Starts June 13th – July 20th

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* Find And Maintain A Happy, Healthy Weight

* Weekly interactive webinars and videos

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* A weight loss plan that works

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Please contact us [email protected] for more information 

On Friday 05 June, Great Yarmouth Borough Council submitted to Government a bid for £19.9m to help transform and revive Great Yarmouth town centre as a vibrant economic, cultural and community hub.

National investment from the Future High Streets Fund is crucial to deliver the council’s exciting £49.2m regeneration package of interventions, which respond to the challenges town centres face by making the most of Great Yarmouth’s special strengths, including its cultural heritage and visitor economy, and by diversifying the town centre’s offer.

Building upon the Town Centre Masterplan and significant highways improvements already seen at key gateways, the ambition is focussed around introducing more residential, culture and leisure uses, bringing empty buildings back into use, making more of the borough’s rich heritage, and improving linkages and sense of arrival from key gateways and the seafront.

Supported by a business case, the exciting vision includes relocating the already popular library to a larger building in a more central location, converting space in empty or under-utilised historic buildings into new homes, building new housing at The Conge and King Street, establishing a new heritage centre and redeveloping the Market Place. This aim is to support town centre sustainability into the future, supporting footfall, further regeneration and investment.  

Cllr Carl Smith and Cllr Trevor Wainwright, the leaders of the council’s main political groups, said: “Government funding is critical to delivering transformative change for our town centre. We have put together a robust business case and an exciting and cohesive vision for regeneration, including an enhanced library as a new leisure anchor. While all town centres face shrinking retail space and reduced footfall, successful places continually reinvent themselves, using their special strengths as a platform.

“We’re seeking to make our town centre sustainable into the future with a wider range of uses, including an enhanced residential, culture and leisure offer, maximising opportunities linked to heritage and modern technologies, as well as by improving links from the railway station via the town centre to the busy leisure hub that is our seafront.

“This vision dovetails with other regeneration work and investment in the borough, including on the seafront, North Quay and Hall Quay, and will hopefully act as a catalyst for further investment. These are exciting times for Great Yarmouth.”

County council leader, Cllr Andrew Proctor, said: “Norfolk’s libraries already do a lot of great work and they are vital hubs for learning, community activities, tackling loneliness and obtaining training and jobs.

“This is a bold proposal and relocating our library could help even more people as well as playing a crucial role in the future transformation of Great Yarmouth’s town centre. The County Council is fully behind the borough council’s bid.”

Brandon Lewis, Great Yarmouth’s MP, said: “The borough council are submitting a strong bid, which would result in transformational change for the Town Centre and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in preparing it. As the Member of Parliament, I have no hesitation to back this bid, and will champion the cause in Westminster.”

The council expects to hear on the outcome of the bid later in the year.

The package of interventions

Enhanced library: The council is working with Norfolk County Council to explore opportunities to relocate the strong library offer to a more central location, with the potential to later attract even more people and possibly expand the facilities into a learning hub, working with local schools and colleges. Any library move will be subject to funding, public consultation and a suitable building being secured. Initial conversations are underway with the owners of the former Palmers building. We would like to hear what Great Yarmouth Residents want from their local library. Click here to take a short survey and give us your views.

New homes: The council has recently submitted a planning application to redevelop The Conge with 89 new homes, providing good quality housing to help meet local needs and create a sense of arrival to the town centre from the railway station. Match funding is sought from the Future High Streets Fund.

The council is also seeking funding towards residential conversion of a number of historic buildings in the Market Place and King Street, which are currently empty or under-utilised. In addition, funding is sought to enable Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust to develop new contemporary houses on eight plots at the rear of King Street, which will improve the street scene and sense of arrival from the car park.

Market Place: The council is committed to the Market Place redevelopment and is seeking external match funding from the Future High Streets Fund. A planning application has been recently submitted. The investment will see the market facilities significantly improved, with new units under an architecturally-striking canopy, designed to ensure the market is brighter and more inviting.

Under the bid, the Market Square events space will be expanded to support an enhanced cultural and artistic offer, 50 flowering cherry trees will be planted to border the Market Place car park, and there will be further public realm improvements.  

Heritage centre: Supported by the council, Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust has recently bought the empty former Greenwoods store with plans to convert into a new heritage centre as part of the Future High Streets Fund bid. This will showcase the borough’s rich cultural heritage and act as a gateway building for those seeking to explore the borough’s history.

Low carbon and digital: In addition to targeted tree-planting, the council is seeking funding for other green interventions in the town centre, including further electric vehicle charging points, future proofing public transport and digital technologies.