Major milestone for Great Yarmouth Palmers redevelopment

The old Palmers building is midway through its revamp into becoming the town's public library, adult education centre and community service hub. People involved in the development visited the building - now known as The Place - on Friday for a topping out ceremony and tour.

The old Palmers building as work progresses to turn it into an education centre. (Image: Denise Bradley)The former department store closed its doors in 2020 after being in the town for 183 years. The first section of roofing has been finished and work is continuing on the rest of the roofing, internal structural steel, dry lining and fireproofing. Preparation has also begun on the existing entrances ahead of new window and door installations.

Great Yarmouth MP Sir Brandon Lewis, council leaders and heads of colleges and universities attended the ceremony and provided speeches about how The Place is a vital part of the town's restoration.

MP Sir Brandon Lewis, right, is one of the guests on the tour of the old Palmers building as work progresses to turn it into an education centre. (Image: Denise Bradley)Sir Brandon said he had fond memories of visiting the former department as a teenager.

"It was a real hub and the heartbeat of the town centre," he said. "And it's going to be that again.

"The Place will bring footfall back into the town centre and that bit of life back. With the new market building, this all shows Great Yarmouth is moving forward."

The town's current MP added that the ongoing development was a sign that "ten years of hard work is now paying off" and the town stands to benefit from The Place, the Herring Bridge and the shift into the renewable energy sector.

Inside the old Palmers building as work progresses to turn it into an education centre. (Image: Denise Bradley)Aiming to have around 500 students at the centre, East Coast College and the University of Suffolk will offer degree and diploma courses at The Place, as well as access to higher education and adult learning courses.

The old Palmers building as work progresses to turn it into an education centre. (Image: Denise Bradley)Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith said The Place revamp was a "big piece of the jigsaw" of the town's development.

"Not only are we hoping to increase footfall in the town centre, this is a vision of the future," he said.

"The Place will raise aspirations for younger people studying at the college and university.

"And our residents will also be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art new library and other facilities."

Carl Smith, leader of the Great Yarmouth Borough Council, and Kay Mason-Billig, leader of the Norfolk County Council, two of the guests on the tour of the old Palmers building. (Image: Denise Bradley)As well as the library and education rooms, The Place will be home to a registry office and other community services such as Citizens Advice. 

However, the new centre is said to not include a cafe.

FLASHBACK: Former Palmers employee Judith Allen inside the department store's cafe. (Image: Newsquest Archives)The topping out ceremony saw beer - donated by Great Yarmouth brewery Lacons – poured onto the roof by the High Steward of Great Yarmouth, Henry Cator, who was assisted by T-Level students from East Norfolk Sixth Form College.

Funding for the £17m project was provided by the Government's Town Deal and Future High Streets Fund, with East Coast College and the University of Suffolk also contributing £3.5m and Norfolk County Council £2m.

One of the stained glass windows which have been saved inside the old Palmers building. (Image: Denise Bradley)Some of the building's key features will be preserved, including windows adorned with Palmers' signature "P", a skylight and a doorway once belonging to Row 54 which had been built over during the expansion of the former department store.

FLASHBACK: King Charles, then Prince of Wales, visited Palmers in 2012. (Image: Newsquest Archives)Morgan Sindall is in charge of the redevelopment's construction, with the majority of the labour used from within 20 miles.

Area director Alister Broadberry - who also oversaw the New Marina Centre build - said he was confident The Place would be of a high standard.

FLASHBACK: Palmers' skylight was restored in 2000. (Image: Submitted)Mr Broadberry said: "The Place promises to be a transformational scheme for Great Yarmouth. We are confident The Place will replicate some of our previous local successes at the Marina Centre, Middlegate Gardens, Charter Academy, and North Denes Primary School and James Paget Hospital. 

"We are committed to creating another inspiring place in Great Yarmouth that will enhance the community in which we all live."

Work is said to be on track for completion in the first half of 2025.

The Place in Great Yarmouth town centre. (Image: Denise Bradley)