The restoration of the Grade II* Winter Gardens in Great Yarmouth, being led by BFF Architects, has been shortlisted for an AJ Retrofit Award.
The AJ Retrofit & Reuse Awards celebrate architectural expertise and ingenuity in the physical and environmental adaption and upgrade of buildings, and the reuse of building materials and structure in response to the climate emergency and changing requirements of use. The Winter Gardens have been shortlisted in the “Future Reuse” category, which celebrates “planned and future projects on the drawing board, in particular those looking to push the envelope in terms of retrofit and reuse”.
The last survivor of a British seaside tradition, the Grade II* Winter Gardens is currently unused, in a poor state of repair and on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Following restoration, this building of national significance will once again become a colourful and animated People’s Palace at the heart of the town’s life, economy, and heritage.
The project will return the magnificent cast-iron structure to a year-round attraction; a flexible entertainment, activity & events, education and community space, with food and beverage.
The new scheme aims to be as sustainable as possible, whilst respecting the historic fabric, and has implemented a 'Net Zero Carbon in Operation' strategy. Passive techniques have been developed to heat, cool and ventilate the space with the minimal use of energy and resources.
The planting proposal, with species referring to the Victorian planting and reflecting the town’s former trading routes, is sensitive to the need to balance a comfortable environment for people with a suitable environment for plants. New external landscaping and public seating will be provided.
The building will include an event space with stage and seating; restaurant and bar; and a multi-purpose activity space. An integrated Interpretation Strategy will encourage engagement with heritage, biodiversity, sustainability, climate adaptation and future resilience.
The restoration has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. It is one of five successful NLHF Heritage Horizon Awards projects, aimed at ambitious, innovative and transformational schemes that will revolutionise UK heritage.
The Awards are presented by Architects' Journal, the UK’s leading professional architecture magazine. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Autumn.
The Winter Gardens today, prior to restoration