The Place, Great Yarmouth’s new public library and learning hub was officially opened today, Wednesday 13th May, at a special event attended by 150 invited guests.
The guests were invited to the Market Place venue to hear speeches, enjoy refreshments and witness a plaque being unveiled by The Lady Dannatt MBE, Lord-Lieutenant for Norfolk, before a cake was cut by the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Paula Waters-Bunn, to mark the occasion.
Members of the public then enjoyed a range of activities, displays, taster sessions and tours to see what is on offer. The opening also featured displays telling the history of the building, a mini family art trail and a display of photographs featuring some of Palmers’ memorable window displays from its heyday.
As well as being home to the new library, East Coast College and the University of Suffolk will offer courses at The Place. The impressive venue also includes Norfolk County Council adult learning facilities and registrar services.
From today (Wednesday, May 14) East Coast College and UOS are offering taster sessions for people to find out more about the courses and qualifications being offered at The Place.
Work at the 5,300 sqm, five-storey venue was led by Morgan Sindall Construction and has sensitively retained the conservation area appearance of the building.
The £17m project was 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 University of Suffolk contributed £3.7m and Norfolk County Council £2.3m.
The first images have been released showing what a town’s new £16m university learning hub will look like.
Work has been taking place all summer to strip out the former Palmers/Beales department store in Great Yarmouth’s town centre.
