One of the UK’s leading horticulturists has paid a visit to the Winter Gardens in Great Yarmouth to lend support to its regeneration, offer guidance and review the proposed planting scheme.
Richard Barley, Director of Gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, was invited to see progress on the ambitious multi-million-pound regeneration of the country’s last-surviving Victorian glasshouse on a seaside promenade.
Plans have been drawn up for exciting planting scheme for the revitalised iconic building with work being designed and led by Coe Design Landscape Architecture, a company with an international track record of expertise in innovative and imaginative contemporary design. Consultant Mike Maunder, a horticulture and biodiversity expert, is also part of the team behind the planting.
Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that one of the country’s most respected horticulturalists has so kindly agreed to offer his advice and guidance as we seek to ensure this nationally significant project has a planting scheme that does it justice. Mr Barley has a huge expertise on the design, renovation and operation of display and botanical glasshouses, including the renovation of the iconic Temperate House at Kew. His comments and input are enormously valuable to us.”
Speaking at the Winter Gardens, Mr Barley said:
“I am very pleased to be able offer our support to what is an exciting project with some fascinating plans for planting in a unique environment. The team working on the regeneration aims to create a very special asset for the town and I look forward to seeing the vision come to fruition.’’
The visit comes after it was announced earlier this year that The National Lottery Heritage Fund had awarded £12.3 million to Great Yarmouth Borough Council to deliver its vision for the Winter Gardens – Reimagining the People’s Palace, a bold and inspiring programme, restoring the unique historic building to its former glory. The funding has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, combined with £4 million of investment from the Government’s Town Deal Fund. The final stages of detailed design are now underway ahead of the restoration work with the building due to reopen to the public in 2027.
Jennifer Coe, Director of Coe Design Landscape Architecture, said:
“Our work on the Winter Gardens is focused on designing the local and contextual environment for sustainability and biodiversity to connect the landscape to the culture of Great Yarmouth and its community. Our expertise in plant design for historic sites and settings, coupled with our extensive plant knowledge from across the globe has enabled us to understand the requirements of plants from varying climatic regions and consider a range of exciting proposals for the Winter Gardens.’’
The designs for the repair and refurbishment were developed by architects Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF), in collaboration with the council, other specialist partners and stakeholders.
Faye Davies, Managing Director, Burrell Foley Fischer (BFF) Architects, said:
“This stunning building holds national significance. Collaborating with Great Yarmouth Borough Council, we have embraced their vision of returning the Winter Gardens to its former glory - a vibrant people’s palace at the heart of the town's life, economy and historical legacy. Having secured planning permission and Listed Building Consent in November, the Grade II* listed Winter Gardens will now undergo careful restoration of its original features, including cast and wrought ironwork and lost details of timber screens to recapture its past grandeur, combined with new services for the community.
Sustainability is core to the project, redeveloping a venue where visitors can engage and learn about the environment. The beautiful indoor gardens will take people on a journey, showing how plants have shaped our history and define our future. Some of the innovative sustainability aspects being integrated into the project will see the Winter Gardens having passive ventilation and de-stratification fans, rainwater will be harvested for irrigation, planting – both inside and out – will create shade, while heating will come from low carbon air source heat pumps and underfloor cooling. The rejuvenated Winter Gardens will also feature community spaces, catering and opportunities for leisure, entertainment and learning.
Councillor Smith said:
‘‘This major regeneration project will breathe new life into Great Yarmouth and we are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for showing this level of support for the vision for the building.’’
Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands and East at The National Heritage Lottery Fund, said:
“This is an exciting and pioneering project, part of our Heritage Horizons programme which focuses on supporting transformation in heritage. The renovation leads the way for the Heritage Fund’s strategic ambition to champion large-scale and long-term innovative solutions to strengthening heritage to be adaptive, financially resilient and contributing to the community and economy of Great Yarmouth.’’
Once work gets underway, the project will provide skills and training for 95 young people including those not in employment, education or training. There will also be six paid placements in heritage and conservation, and six paid apprenticeships in hospitality, catering, business skills and horticulture.