Willmott Dixon to drive transformation of Great Yarmouth’s North Quays

Willmott Dixon has been chosen by Great Yarmouth Borough Council as its development partner for the regeneration of North Quays Waterfront.

The company will work with the council to take forward the ‘most significant development opportunity in a generation’ with the ambition to

create a vibrant mixed-use development that will strengthen the town’s social and economic future.

The development will comprise of a mix of leisure amenities, retail space, residential areas and public realm, all designed to complement and preserve the town’s rich history and heritage by creating a welcoming environment that serves residents, businesses and visitors. It will generate new employment opportunities, boost local tourism and support mental health and wellbeing by delivering spaces that reflect the evolving needs of the community.

Willmott Dixon’s team of regeneration experts will also look at improving connectivity and accessibility, to reinforce North Quays’ strategic role as a gateway to the town centre, especially with its proximity to the train station.

Later this year there will be detailed community consultation and public engagement with local residents and stakeholders to help shape the proposals, with a planning application expected to be submitted early in 2026.

Councillor Carl Smith, Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “We are hugely excited to be bringing forward the town’s most significant development opportunity in a generation.

‘’North Quay is a key site which will become a vibrant new destination and will further enhance the town’s already prosperous economic future. We owe it to our residents and all those who love Great Yarmouth to create a scheme which will live up to our inspiring and innovative history. We look forward to working with Willmott Dixon who share this vision.”

David Atkinson, National Head of Land and Development at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing forward an exciting mixed-use regeneration project in Great Yarmouth.

‘’North Quay represents a fantastic opportunity to deliver long-term benefits for the local community and visitors – including new homes, commercial spaces, jobs and public spaces which support Great Yarmouth’s growth. Over the coming months we’re looking forward to working with local stakeholders to share our exciting ideas for the transformation of this key site.”

The regeneration plan for the 10.5-acre site comes after the council last year successfully secured £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to help prepare North Quay and commence land assembly.

Councillor Trevor Wainwright, leader of the Labour group on Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ‘’North Quay is an important strategic site and a gateway between the railway station and the Market Place. The appointment of Willmott Dixon will bring our ambitious vision for Great Yarmouth a step closer.’’ The news follows Willmott Dixon’s recent appointment to deliver a similar regeneration of Dover’s town centre and extends its track-record in working with councils to transform key sites vital for their future growth and prosperity, with the company also working with Torbay Council to regenerate several sites in Torquay and Paignton.