The Iron Duke restoration project has entered its final phase with the appointment of the main contractor Stroods Ltd, who begin on site March 2nd 2026.
Craig Rallings a Director at Stroods commented “Stroods are excited to have been appointed to deliver the main phase of works to restore the iconic Iron Duke in Great Yarmouth. Having successfully completed the first two phases of the overall regeneration programme, our team has developed a deep understanding of the building’s heritage, site’s challenges, and the collective ambition to bring this much-loved landmark back into meaningful use.
This significant stage of the project represents an important step in the wider regeneration of the site and reinforces the strong, collaborative partnership built with the project team, with the focus now shifting to carefully preserving the Iron Duke’s historic character and heritage. We look forward to playing our part in advancing the regeneration of Great Yarmouth and helping to ensure the Iron Duke can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The works 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. The project team have made use of the original plans and consulted with former owners, managers and users to reintroduce the fabulous art deco glamour to the derelict building.
On the ground floor Zaks will create a pub in one of the two original bars serving local beers from Lacons Brewery, who were The Iron Dukes original owners, 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 elegant art deco aesthetic which has been developed through researching the historic archives and input from conservation paint consultants, architectural historians and interior designers.
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 National Lottery Heritage Fund, Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, Historic England and Zaks will allow a long term viable solution to the currently vacant building. Both flats will be designed and decorated with an art deco theme to provide fabulous and in keeping holiday accommodation.
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.
Vacant neglected and forlorn since 2007 the project will bring about the full repair of a derelict grade II listed building, provide a year round destination use, create up to 50 jobs, support the local economy and work with the community offering opportunities to learn, train and volunteer on a host of activities.
Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust and partners are working to a programme which will see this wonderful building open and serving pints by late summer 2026.
