A bid to restore the Winter Gardens in Great Yarmouth is hoping to put the landmark back at the heart of the town's life with officials estimating £7m a year will be pumped into the local economy. 

Designs for the Victorian ironwork glasshouse building's redevelopment were first revealed in 2021 - and now its owners, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, have taken the formal step of submitting a planning application.

Proposals include the alteration and removal of redundant extensions and a change of use to mixed-use facility for provision of food, drink and restaurant/cafe dining, as well as community and education spaces and a venue for events.

There would be a public seating area for 140 people and dining places for up to 180 guests. 

The building would employ 10 full-time and 30 part-time staff and would be open from 9am to midnight everyday.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Winter Gardens have been closed to the public since 2008. The Winter Gardens have been closed to the public since 2008. (Image: James Weeds)

READ MORE: Winter Gardens - New images give first look at £16m transformation

The Winter Gardens has been closed to the public since 2008 and is in a poor state of repair.

According to papers submitted with the application, the borough council want to "put the building back at the heart of the town's economy, life and heritage".

The restoration would transform the Winter Gardens into "a visitor and community resource and attraction, providing a year-round indoor environment for public enjoyment and leisure".

READ MORE: The full cost of propping up Winter Gardens revealed

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Images suggesting what the revamped Winter Gardens could look like inside show wide steps scattered with cushions in a contemporary setting covered with foliage. Images suggesting what the revamped Winter Gardens could look like inside show wide steps scattered with cushions in a contemporary setting covered with foliage. (Image: Great Yarmouth Borough Council)

Later additions on each side of the entrance porch and at the perimeter, which are considered detrimental, would be removed as part of the proposals.

The existing structural 'zimmer frame' supporting the lantern would also be removed, opening up the internal space.

READ MORE: From the archives - Looking back at Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens

The application states that "a significant amount of space" has been allocated for performances, events and general gathering.

The ground floor tower area will host the majority of these events while the first floor will provide a galleried viewing area in the round.

A decision on the bid is expected by November 2.