Key stage approaching in Vauxhall Bridge funding hunt

For Immediate Release

25 January 2010

Issued on behalf of Fair Share and Community Connections, Great Yarmouth

The hunt for funding to support the restoration of Vauxhall Bridge, Great Yarmouth, is reaching a key stage ahead of a crucial meeting with the Heritage Lottery Fund in mid-February.

Great Yarmouth's Fair Share panel (run through Community Connections) have earmarked £300,000 in lottery money for work to the bridge and surrounds, and other sources of funding are being actively pursued.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has been sounded out on a proposal for fully restoring and strengthening the bridge, which once linked the railway to the South Quay. Initial advice has suggested that a project of this nature would face tough competition at a national level, and that any bid must be as strong as possible.

In particular, the Vauxhall Bridge project must show how it would help people learn about Great Yarmouth's heritage and rich history.

“The County Council is keen to strengthen this element of their bid for money from the HLF, and are looking to the Yarmouth community for their help," said John Drinkill, Fair Share Local Agent. “We know that this area of Great Yarmouth has changed out of all recognition over the years, and the bridge itself played an important part in the commercial life of the town. With proper interpretation a restored bridge will not only provide a vastly improved gateway into the town, it will also help people to understand some of the developments and changes that have created the Great Yarmouth of today.”

Other sources of funding being sought include:

Natural England - Big Lottery Access to Nature:

This is to look at healthy walks and volunteering projects in the Vauxhall area and linking in with the bridge. Initial discussions have been very encouraging, with Stage 1 approval given for a £250,000 application. A stage 2 submission is to be made early March with a decision due early May.

Natural England - National Costal Route:

As part of the proposed costal path route around Norfolk improved pedestrian and cycle links between the seafront and railway station are being considered.

European funding:

Funds are also being sought from Europe which would be targeted at improving the links between Yarmouth and its surrounding areas including the Broads. This would be based on a balance between recreation and nature. The possibility of establishing a bike hire service throughout Yarmouth is also being looked into. The station and bridge area would be fundamental to these bids.

For further information

John Drinkill, Fair Share Local Agent, 01493 656 372;

David Wardale, Project Engineer, 01603 223259.