British seaside town set to receive £100million overhaul to restore rundown 'Golden Mile'

North Devon hero saves taxpayers ‘bundle of cash’ by fixing 570 potholes in four years, but ‘fed-up to the back teeth’ with lack of investment |

GB NEWS

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 17/01/2026

- 09:47

Updated: 17/01/2026

- 10:04

The town was ranked as the eighth-worst seaside area in the UK

The British seaside town of Great Yarmouth is gearing up for a massive transformation, with a £100million development set to reshape the area and restore its "Golden Mile".

The ambitious project includes plans for a brand new cinema, retail outlets, residential flats and a 120-bedroom hotel.


Council leader Carl Smith claimed the proposals have been in the works for a full decade.

If everything gets the go-ahead, locals will have their chance to weigh in this spring when a public consultation opens up.

It is all part of a broader push to revitalise the beloved Norfolk resort throughout 2026.

Elsewhere in the area, Maritime House is getting ready to welcome visitors once again later this year.

The stunning seafront dates back to the 19th century, when it served as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors.

It has previously operated as a Maritime Museum, the town's tourism office and will now serve as a cafe.

Great YarmouthGreat Yarmouth is set to receive £100million | WIKIMEDIACOMMONS

It is another piece of Great Yarmouth's heritage being brought back to life as part of this year's regeneration efforts.

The Iron Duke pub is set to make a comeback after being shut for 20 years.

Renovation work is already well underway on the beloved venue, which was once a firm favourite with visitors to Great Yarmouth.

The project is expected to cost more than £2million, underscoring the seriousness of the investment.

Great Yarmouth

The seaside town recently ranked as the eighth worst in the UK

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WIKIMEDIACOMMONS

Locals should be able to raise a glass in the establishment by early summer.

The seaside town has been dealing with several challenges and, like many of Britain's faded coastal gems, the town has a real hotel problem.

Victorian guest houses that were once packed with holidaymakers now sit empty and boarded up.

Neglected backstreets have become dumping grounds for fly-tippers, leaving rubbish and old furniture.

Great Yarmouth

The Winter Gardens attraction was the last Victorian glasshouse and could reopen next year

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The town was ranked as the eighth worst seaside town in the UK by Which?, with the survey giving Great Yarmouth just one star for peace and quiet.

It achieved an overall appeal score of only 51 per cent.

The tourism industry for the town will be hoping to boost this score with the investment.

With the cost of living hitting many households too, a holiday in the UK could be a more affordable option for many Britons.

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