FAQs
How much money is available to inteGREAT? - The total funding is about 16.3 million pounds.
What is the money being spent on? - Approximately 9 million is going on schemes to assist with regeneration along Regent Road and Marine Parade. This includes alterations to the roads and new lighting schemes. The rest of the 16.3 million is going on schemes around the town centre and heritage quarters. This includes the restoration of many listed buildings, new lighting and York stone paving in Broad Row and Market Row, a performance area and new lighting in the Market place etc.
Why is so much being spent on the Seafront? - The seafront is an important area for the whole borough of Great Yarmouth as a focal point for many visitors. Funding was sought to address economic revival of the Great Yarmouth tourist industry, by providing facilities and infrastructure. Businesses are also investing in upgrading their premises.
Why can't the money be spent in my area? - The funding was sought to assist with economic revival, and the money is only available to spend on specific projects in the original plan.
Will there be much disruption when Marine Parade works begin? - The works are due to begin after the summer season 2005. Because of the extent of the works, there will of course be some disruption, but every effort is being made to keep this to a minimum.
Why can’t all the money go into Marine Parade?
Funding was promised for a range of projects that would bring significant improvements not only to the seafront but also to Great Yarmouth’s town centre and heritage sites. inteGREAT will breathe new life into these important aspects of the town’s business and cultural life.
So why is so much being spent on the seafront?
Money for inteGREAT came from various sources, largely as a result of the ‘deprived’ status of the town. It is an economic development programme, designed to improve the economy. As a result, it can only be spent in the deprived areas – the old Regent and Nelson wards. Some money allocated to the Townscape Heritage Initiative can be spent outside these Wards, but only in the Conservation areas.
The Great Yarmouth Tourism economy supports up to 30% of the adult working population. In some sectors, tourism has experienced substantial decline in recent years. There is an urgent need to support Great Yarmouth’s biggest industry to protect and create new jobs for those that live in the area. Stiff competition is also being faced from other major tourist resorts such as Blackpool. Great Yarmouth must improve in order to compete and remain a high profile seaside town.
Why are we having big screens on the seafront?
The big screens are considered a major focus for information and entertainment, and we’re confident that they will prove popular with visitors and local people. They are an integral part of the seafront plans. The recent launch of the completed performance area in the Market Place was a resounding success.
Have costs increased for the highway proposals?
To keep costs down the original plans were less ambitious than what is proposed. During the development of the preferred option there was a strong desire by all key stakeholders to achieve a more innovative design using high-quality materials. The latest design is seen as a flagship project and will make a real difference to Regent Road and the Golden Mile.
Why are we not getting the slow lane now?
The current funding only allows for the initial phase of work to be undertaken this winter. Even if funding had been available for the complete project it would have been difficult to achieve all the works over the coming winter months. An application has been made to EEDA to extend the works as far as St. Peter’s Road. Further funds are being sought from EEDA and other funding bodies to allow the remaining works to be achieved. Work will begin on the next phase as soon as the money is made available, although it will again have to be carried out in the winter months to minimise disruption to traders, visitors, tourists and residents.
Why was the other option ruled out?
While appearing to have some advantages, installing a slow lane on each side of the carriageway would have caused problems for vehicles trying to access parking and pick-up/drop-off points at the kerbside. However, two slow lanes side by side on the seaward side will provide a much safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists and landaus. It will also have the ‘wow’ factor we are seeking.
How was the final option chosen?
Following the consultation in summer 2004 and various workshop sessions, comments and suggestions were received from all interested parties. These were incorporated into a revised design undertaken by Norfolk County Council’s Planning and Transportation Department, along with their design partner Mott MacDonald's. The full proposal being taken forward is an innovative development, featuring many of the helpful suggestions made by members of the public.
How will seafront car parking be affected?
The full plans will ensure that car parks that are not currently as widely used will be more accessible. We have tried to balance the need for parking with the objectives of the scheme, which aims to make the town a better place to live, work and visit. All views expressed about parking have been considered to give the best overall scheme. The Borough and County Councils are looking at parking issues as part of an overall strategy for the town.
When will works start?
Highway works on Marine Parade and Regent Road will start in September 2005. The areas affected will be the roads around the Hollywood Cinema and Regent Road.
Will there be disruption when the roadworks start?
There will of course be some disruption with a scheme of this size, but every effort is being made to minimise inconvenience. Apart from some small preparatory works, the main re-construction works are not due to begin until mid-September 2005, after the main holiday season.
When will the work be finished?
The main works will be completed by Easter 2006. Small areas might have to be finished off, but this will not hamper preparations for the holiday season.
What happened to the questionnaire I completed?
Norfolk County Council and Mott MacDonald's received all questionnaires, phone calls, letters and website responses. These were analysed and considered by a working party comprising representatives from different transport groups, including the drivers of buses, taxis and landau, cyclists and the land train operator. Residents, seafront traders, local Councillors and officers from Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Norfolk County Council were also represented. Where possible and practical, suggestions from the public have been included in the scheme. The most noteworthy suggestion was to turn the Hollywood Cinema area into a one-way system.
Who do I contact?
For further information on any aspect of the inteGREAT scheme contact:
The inteGREAT Team, Town Hall, Great Yarmouth NR30 2QF.
Tel: 01493 846562 / 846564. Fax: 01493 846423
Email: regen@great-yarmouth.gov.uk
| 
