Willmott Dixon Developments, Rioja Estates and Great Yarmouth Borough Council have submitted a planning application for the mixed-use North Quay regeneration project in Great Yarmouth.
At the heart of the scheme will be an open-air outlet village featuring around 70 premium and high street brands, complemented by a new food and beverage offer, family entertainment attractions, a leisure hub, public spaces and a 120-bedroom hotel. Up to 60 new homes will also be delivered as part of the development.
The project is being delivered through a long-term partnership between Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Willmott Dixon Developments and Rioja Estates and has been supported by £20m of government Levelling Up Fund investment secured by the council.
Trevor Wainwright, leader of the Labour group at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “The detailed work that has gone into this planning application means our ambitious vision for Great Yarmouth’s neglected North Quay can now be realised. Residents have, and will continue to have, a role in helping shape a development that delivers huge benefits for the community with new jobs and housing at a site that will be a major asset for the borough and the whole of Norfolk and beyond. Quayside will complement and add value for existing businesses and provide an incentive for people to spend more time in our town.”
Giles Membrey, managing director of Rioja Estates, added: “We know that when you introduce a high quality, value‑led destination, which is what an outlet is, and combine it with strong leisure, overall footfall rises, dwell time increases and the wider town centre benefits. Evidence from outlets at Ashford, Gloucester and Portsmouth demonstrates that they act as catalysts for investment, employment and renewed confidence. Quayside will complement Great Yarmouth town centre and help it to thrive.”
Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “To see the planning application submitted for Quayside in Great Yarmouth is an enormous step forward. Regenerating this key gateway location at North Quay will provide the biggest transformation the town has seen in decades and will deliver huge benefits for the borough and its vital tourism industry.
“The construction phase will provide hundreds of new jobs for local people and, once complete, Quayside will offer a wealth of career opportunities as well as provide an attractive addition for residents and visitors. There has been a huge amount of work to get to this point and we look forward to continuing to work with Willmott Dixon Developments and Rioja as the project continues.
Matthew Knight, national head of development (investment) at Willmott Dixon Developments, added: “We’re delighted to have reached this important milestone for Quayside and Great Yarmouth. The submission of this planning application is the culmination of extensive collaboration with Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Rioja Estates, local stakeholders and the community to develop a vision for North Quay that reflects the town’s ambitions for the future.
“This is an exciting opportunity to unlock the potential of a key waterfront site, creating new jobs, homes, leisure opportunities and public spaces while strengthening connections between the town centre and waterfront. We believe Quayside can play a major role in supporting Great Yarmouth’s long-term growth and prosperity, and we hope these proposals can help realise that ambition.”
