Two million pounds is set to be spent over the next two years to make the route between Great Yarmouth’s train station and Market Place more attractive and safer to use by pedestrians and cyclists. Norfolk County Council is currently asking for people’s views on the proposals, which include making improvements to the station’s forecourt, a landscaped ‘garden walk’ between the bridge and North Quay and creating a wide, continuous cycle and pedestrian path from the station to the Market Place via The Conge. Other elements being proposed include a new cycle and footpath linking Acle New Road with Vauxhall Bridge, changes to crossing points and junctions to make them safer for cyclists and pedestrians, and better lighting and signage. The improvements part of a wider intention to transform the Great Yarmouth area over the coming years to make it easier for people to get to and around and make it a more attractive place to live, work and visit. This will help attract future investment and economic development to the area, creating skilled jobs, business opportunities and giving local people a better quality of life. People are being encouraged to view the detailed proposals and respond to the consultation online via www.norfolk.citizenspace.com before the consultation closes at midnight on Monday, 13 March. In addition, the County Council is holding four drop-in sessions in the town over the next fortnight to give people the opportunity to examine the plans in person and speak to members of the project team. These will be held at:
- The train station on Friday, 17 February from 8am to 6pm.
- Market Gates shopping centre on Wednesday, 22 February from 10am to 3pm.
- Asda on Acle New Rd on Wednesday, 1 March from 10am to 4pm.
- Market Gates shopping centre on Friday, 3 March from 10am to 3pm.
Once the public consultation has closed at midnight on Monday, 13 March the responses will be considered and more detailed planning work will be done, with construction work due to get underway in late autumn this year. Norfolk County Council has been awarded the £2 million by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership to design and carry out the proposed improvement works, which are being considered as part of Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s draft Masterplan to strengthen the town centre.
Neil Orford, President of Great Yarmouth Chamber Council said: “Great Yarmouth Chamber Council welcomes this much needed investment to our town. Improvements to key transport links are vital for both the business community and the tourism sector. First impressions count, and easy access from the train stations and the links to the town centre will make a significant difference. In addition, improved transport systems will help support economic growth for the growing offshore and renewables sector, as well as the Enterprise Zone.”
Martin Wilby, Chairman of the Environment, Development and Transport Committee at Norfolk County Council, said: “I believe these improvements will make a big difference to Great Yarmouth, both in practical terms and in giving people confidence in the town’s future.
“The train station is the first place many visitors to Yarmouth see. Creating a better first impression to those coming into the town by rail and improving access into the heart of the town will significantly improve people’s experience, from tourists and businesspeople to residents. When considered alongside all the other work that’s underway or in the pipeline, there is a real collective commitment to transforming the town and the momentum to get things done.” Chris Starkie, Managing Director of New Anglia LEP, said: “Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of transport in Great Yarmouth will benefit those who live in, work in and visit the town. Better transport connectivity is important for businesses. Great Yarmouth, with its offshore heritage and growing energy sector, is at the centre of our all-energy coastline and it is crucial that the town’s transport system can support economic growth.” Cllr Graham Plant, the leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “The railway station is a busy gateway to the town and as such helps to form those all-important first impressions of the borough. “It is clear that the setting of the railway station area and its links to the town centre need improving. Creating a new sense of arrival at the railway station is one of the key projects of the draft Town Centre Masterplan, which aims to make the central area more attractive for residents, visitors and investors. “The borough council is pleased that the investment is available and looks forward to considering in more depth Norfolk County Council’s specific proposals and hearing the views of residents, businesses and visitors.” As well as the proposed improvements to the route between the train station and Market Place, work is due to get underway this year to reduce congestion in the town. Central government has also pledged to improve junctions on the A47 and A12 by 2020, to make the roads safer to use and help prevent bottlenecks.
