Great Yarmouth’s historic Waterways set be restored in two years

An aerial image of the Waterways in Great Yarmouth. Photo: GYBC (Image: Archant)

Behind the scenes, important preparatory work is already well underway.

In spring next year contractors will begin on-site landscape and engineering works.

Then between summer 2018 and 2019, volunteers and trainees will work alongside professionals to faithfully reinstate the original planting schemes of the flower beds, and repair the rusticated thatched shelters, which contribute much to the special character of the attraction.

The surviving carved animal heads from the original boats will be re-used as part of the scheme.

An aerial image of the boating lake at the Waterways in Great Yarmouth. Photo: GYBC (Image: Archant)

MORE: £1.7m to bring boats back to Great Yarmouth's WaterwaysChairman of Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, Bernard Williamson, said he was delighted a clear timetable is in place.

He added: 'This is very much a community project and we will ensure that people are kept updated and have opportunities to get involved and learn new skills.'

He also thanked the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund/Big Lottery Fund Parks for People Programme.

GREAT YARMOUTH HOLIDAY MAKERS TAKING A TRIP ON THE WATERWAYS DATED AUGUST 21ST 1955 OR 1956 PLATE P2199 FOA Aug 2014 (Image: Archant)

Vice chairman of the council's economic development committee, Paul Hammond, added: 'The restoration of this heritage gem and community asset to support our economy has long been an aspiration of the council and community, so I'm absolutely thrilled that the project is well and truly underway.'

The works will be phased to ensure the park remains open to the public during the restoration programme, which will see boats return to the water and the café on the Boating Lake Island renovated and re-opened to help fund the ongoing maintenance of the park.

The restoration aims to bring back into use the importance heritage, to further boost the economy by providing yet another reason to visit the resort, and to provide people with opportunities to improve skills and access further training or employment.

The community-led project to completely restore the Waterways and Boating Lake secured a grant of more than £1.7m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund in January.

PLACES / Y YARMOUTH - BOAT LOAD OF HOLIDAYMAKERS TAKE A TRIP ON THE VENTIAN WATERWAYS DATE; 24TH JULY 1967 C3887 FOA AUg 2014 (Image: Archant)

First opening in 1928, the Grade II-listed park and tourist attraction along North Drive was commissioned by the borough council as an employment relief programme, with the community undertaking its construction.

GREAT YARMOUTH BOAT TRIP ON WATERWAYS DATED 1955 PLATE P6285 (Image: Archant)

GREAT YARMOUTH PEOPLE IN BOATS ON WATERWAYS NO DATE - 1950S PLATE P6298 (Image: Archant)