Venetian Waterways
The seven-acre Venetian Waterways, Ornamental Gardens and Boating Lake lie on Great Yarmouth seafront, just north of the main visitor attraction area known as the ‘Golden Mile’.
With a Heritage Lottery Grant, Allen Scott have comprehensively restored the gardens, canals, boating lake and thatched buildings as a new cultural attraction, with a social enterprise company running the restored café, restaurant and boat-hire businesses.
Working closely with key stakeholders, local officers and specialists, Allen Scott led a multidisciplinary team in the planning, grant submission, design and contract administration of this Grade II restoration.
Since its completion, the site has now been removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and received a number of awards, including the British Association of Landscape Industry’s Principal Award for Regeneration and the Special Award for Community Involvement.
Client: Great Yarmouth Borough Council
Role: Lead Consultant + Contract Administrator
Value: £2.7m (capital works)
Key Elements: masterplanning / planting design / conservation of listed structures / water features / rockeries / coastal
RIBA Stages: 1-6
Partners: Morton Partnership / Andrew Morton Associates / Foster Wilson Size
Awards: BALI / Green Flag / Civic Trust
The restoration and enhancement of the Venetian Waterways in Great Yarmouth successfully balances heritage conservation with contemporary needs. This revitalized Grade II listed public park has transformed a neglected space into a vibrant, multi-functional asset for residents and visitors alike. The project blends historic preservation and sensitive modern intervention with restored pavilions, now adorned with local thatched roofs, which capture the charm of the original design while ensuring durability with high-quality materials.
The new gardener's office, thoughtfully integrated into the site, is a subtle yet effective addition that supports the park's operational needs. The reimagined landscaping, including the gently pitched access ramp and re-graded paths, addresses level challenges without disrupting the site's historic character. These features create seamless connections throughout the park, enhancing the visitor experience. The restoration of the planting scheme, with its geographically themed flora, not only respects the original design but also enriches biodiversity. Seasonal planting ensures year-round interest while attracting pollinators and supporting local ecosystems. The use of robust, durable materials in high-traffic areas underscores a commitment to longevity, reducing the need for frequent repairs and minimising environmental impact.
Access and inclusion were central to the project’s vision. The introduction of an accessible lift to the boating lake café and the improved paths and ramps ensure that the park is welcoming to all, including wheelchair and pushchair users. These thoughtful enhancements make the park a truly inclusive space, where everyone can enjoy its beauty and amenities. The Waterways is not just a park but a hub of activity and connection. Managed by the Access Community Trust, it provides employment, supports vulnerable populations, and offers volunteering opportunities that foster a sense of belonging. The boating lake and café have become popular attractions, drawing tourists and creating a steady revenue stream to sustain the park. Community involvement throughout the project, from fundraising to volunteer programs, has deepened local pride and ownership.
