A deal has been reached to pave the way for a former Norfolk department store to be turned into a £17m library, university and learning centre.
The former Palmers department store in Great Yarmouth town centre is to be turned into a new 'hub' named The Place and an agreement to allow that to happen is about to be signed.
The hub will be home to Great Yarmouth's public library - currently based in Tolhouse Road - along with adult learning provision, a registry office and other community services such as Citizens Advice.
It will also be the base for a University Learning Centre where East Coast College and the University of Suffolk will offer degree and diploma courses, as well as access to higher education and adult learning courses.
READ MORE: Great Yarmouth Palmers town store transformation approved
The project is being funded via £8.1m from the government’s Town Deal, with a further £3.4m from the Future High Streets Fund.
East Coast College and the University of Suffolk are contributing £3.5m and Norfolk County Council £2m.
The building is owned by the borough council, but county council officers have been negotiating over a lease for parts of the basement and ground floors where its services will be provided.
READ MORE: Take a look inside Great Yarmouth's former Palmers store
A deal is ready to be signed on a 125-year lease on a peppercorn rent, which the Conservative-controlled cabinet is asked to agree to when members meet on Monday (July 3).
Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: "We are proud to be supporting Great Yarmouth Borough Council in delivering this £17m investment in the town, to which Norfolk County Council are contributing £2m.
"The Place will bring Norfolk County Council services and partners together to create a unique learning environment.
"Great Yarmouth residents will be able to find, start and build their learning journey through skills programmes, courses and activities."
The Place is due to open in September next year.
Palmers was founded as a linen and drapery shop in 1837. It was sold to Beale's in 2018 and closed in March 2020.
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