The Iron Duke restoration project has reached a major mile stone with the submission of the
final details of the scheme to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and applications for both
planning permission and listed building consent.
The first stage application to The Heritage Fund was approved in January 2023 and since
then Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust and commercial partners Zaks have worked with a
team of architects, consultants and other experts to develop the project to the point where
with Heritage Fund approval the construction phase can begin.
The plans will see the stunning art deco building fully and faithfully restored back to how it
would have originally looked in its heyday as a beacon of 1930’s modernity.
On the ground floor Zaks will create a pub in one of the two original bars serving local beers
from Lacons Brewery and cocktails with a nod to the 1930’s period. The other bar will
become a restaurant where food will be cooked in view of the customers. Both bars will have
an art deco aesthetic which has been developed through researching the historic archives
and input from conservation paint consultants.
In the past the first floor provided accommodation for the pub manager this will be
repurposed to create two holiday flats helping to ensure that the investment by the Heritage
Fund, Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust and Zaks will allow a long term viable solution to
the currently vacant building.
The area around the building will be carefully landscaped and designs will allow access for
all.
In addition to the construction and restoration work there will be a range of opportunities for
the people to become involved with the project, these include learning traditional building
skills, a ongoing photography recording project, workshops centred around food and cooking
with an emphasis on local and low cost, a painting scheme to create murals for the
hoardings around the site depicting the history of the building and much more. It is hoped that if the stage two submission is approved work on site will begin early in 2025 aiming for a grand opening in the spring of 2026.
“This is an extraordinarily exciting project which will see a fascinating and beautiful building
brought back to life. It has taken a while to reach this point but the Preservation Trust and
Zaks have been careful to ensure that the correct team of professionals and consultants with
the level of expertise needed for a project of this complexity were drawn together to bring a
successful outcome.
The robust and thorough approach to the development period has left no stone unturned
there have been extensive below ground surveys, historic paint analysis, even unexploded
bomb surveys. All this work together with the sensitive architectural design work and
business planning will help get the building restored and back in use.” Bernard Williamson
Chair GYPT
“We are really excited to see the Iron Duke reach this major milestone. Assuming the bid is
successful, we can’t wait to get in there and start serving lovely food and drink to the people
of Great Yarmouth and beyond.” Ian Hacon, Zaks
Councillor Carl Smith, leader of GYBC said: ‘’We are delighted that the proposals for
breathing new life into the Iron Duke have reached this stage. The pub is a key landmark in
Great Yarmouth and the council has been pleased to lend its support to GYPT as it worked
with heritage partners on such an ambitious vision for the future of the building. We hope the
restoration of the pub will once more see residents and visitors able to enjoy and appreciate
the Iron Duke.’’
