Beach Huts Finally Under Construction in Great Yarmouth After Long Delays
Construction of beach huts along the North Drive promenade in Great Yarmouth is finally underway, following significant delays. The project, which faced setbacks due to the original contractor declaring insolvency, has seen just one of the 43 planned huts built so far. However, with work now resumed, Great Yarmouth Borough Council remains hopeful that all huts will be completed by October.
The initial groundwork and a utility room for hut hirers were completed before construction stalled. The council had to find a new supplier and allocated an additional £200,000 to the budget after only some materials were recovered from the original contractor. Councillor Graham Plant, portfolio holder for operational property and asset management, announced that five huts are expected to be completed in August, with another 33 set to be built in September and the final four finished in October.
A Boost for the North Promenade
The total cost of the project stands at £683,000, and the huts will be leased annually rather than being available for daily or weekly hire. Councillor Graham Plant expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are delighted the beach huts are due for completion. They will be a real asset on our seafront and will be a valuable addition for those who want to make the most of all the beach has to offer in Great Yarmouth.”
He added that the huts are part of a broader effort to enhance amenities for both residents and visitors, demonstrating the council’s commitment to improving local facilities. The beach huts are expected to increase foot traffic and boost trade along the north promenade, a key goal for the council.
Leasing Details and Cost
The new beach huts will be available on year-long leases running from April to March, with an annual fee of £2,260. For those interested in leasing a hut from completion to 31 March 2025, the council is offering pro-rata rates. Unlike other beach hut sites, these huts will not be sold or hired out for short periods, aligning with the council’s strategy to maintain a steady revenue stream and ensure consistent usage of the facilities.
The project had been anticipated to complete last year, but the unexpected collapse of the original contractor caused delays. The council’s decision to allocate additional funds and find a new supplier has finally put the project back on track.
The completion of the beach huts represents a significant step in the council’s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Great Yarmouth’s coastal amenities. As Councillor Plant noted, “Constantly enhancing the offer for residents and visitors to the borough is hugely important to us, and these new beach huts demonstrate our commitment to improving facilities.”
The council’s focus now shifts to ensuring the timely completion of the remaining huts and preparing for their hire. With the new facilities in place, Great Yarmouth aims to attract more visitors and provide a unique experience along its north promenade.
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