Regeneration plan aims to create 3,000 jobs in town

A project to "unlock the potential" of a sprawling port area in a coastal town could create more than 3,000 jobs, it has been claimed.

South Denes in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was once an undeveloped sand spit used by the fishing community for fish curing, salt pans and net drying.

Today, it plays a key role in the energy industry and serves as a major operational centre for the UK's offshore gas and wind sector in the North Sea. However, it is also run-down in places.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council wants to change this and hopes to boost opportunities in the town through ambitious plans to regenerate the 90-acre peninsula.

It is one of several projects recently completed or proposed by the council that could significantly change a town traditionally reliant on tourism.

Called the South Denes masterplan and marketing strategy, the project has been developed by architects Prior and Partners, along with Ramboll and Cushman & Wakefield.

They have identified four distinct sites in South Denes that could be regenerated in the coming years.

This includes Great Yarmouth's port, known as the Port of East Anglia, which is operated by Peel Ports.

A report, due to be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said there was potential to boost capacity and efficiency, as well as optimise the use of vacant land.

An industrial area to the north of the port, referred to as Nelson Energy Park, aims to become a centre for the offshore energy industry in the region.

There are also plans for a creative district, known as the Herring Maker District, which would turn former industrial sites into venues for small businesses and facilities for neighbouring communities.

Finally, the fourth area identified for redevelopment is the Yare Maritime Corridor, where a number of marine businesses are already located along the stretch of the River Yare leading to the port.

Some sites have been dormant for some time and could be redeveloped to further support the maritime industry.

Plans are already being developed for a £60m expansion of the port, the creation of a £20m operations and maintenance campus, and a new warehouse for agricultural produce.

Officers said in a report that the southern North Sea has the highest concentration of operational offshore wind farms in the world, with more than 1,000 turbines, most within 160km of the town.

With growing calls to move towards greener energy sources, this means the town could play a pivotal role in the future.

Daniel Candon, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's Conservative cabinet member for economic development and growth, said the changes were needed to unlock the potential of South Denes.

The council believes the town could cement its position at the "forefront of the UK's transition to a low-carbon economy".

Candon said: "The masterplan and marketing strategy provide us with an excellent blueprint as we look to support businesses, drive investment and attract new companies to take advantage of everything the area has to offer.

"We are determined to make sure we do all we can to create the best possible environment to attract new jobs and employment opportunities for local people in a location that is exceptionally well placed to take advantage of the rapidly expanding offshore, marine and clean energy sector.

"It will better enable us to work more effectively with the port, landowners, investors and partners as we look to align decision-making over the next 15 years."

South Denes is just one area in Great Yarmouth earmarked for regeneration.

The council is currently developing plans to transform North Quay into a shopping centre, with a cinema, housing and more.

The Conge, a former industrial area that has been in decline for several years, is being demolished to make way for housing.

The £121m Herring Bridge, which opened in 2024, has also helped improve transport in the town.

Peel Ports aims to invest £60m and develop a southern terminal at Great Yarmouth's Outer Harbour.

Great Yarmouth will also benefit from £20m from the government's Pride in Place funding, which will be used to make improvements around the town centre.

Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.