Demolition of seaside 'eyesore' begins as Marina Centre is turned to rubble

The Marina Centre, which has been a long derided landmark on the seafront in Great Yarmouth, is being torn down to be replaced by a new swimming pool and leisure complex.

The brick building has been a fixture on the Golden Mile in the Norfolk beach resort since the 1980s but its uninspiring architecture hasn't always been popular.

  • Click to watch a report by ITV News Anglia's Kate Prout

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is spending £25.9 million on the new complex which will include a 25-metre pool, two water flumes and a one-hundred station gym and a four-court sports hall

The old Marina Centre was closed at the end of October 2019 and the council's demolition contractor is now clearing the site for redevelopment.

Construction is scheduled to start in summer 2020, with construction of the new complex complete in 2021.

The current Marina Centre has been a landmark or eyesore on Great Yarmouth beach for more than 40 years. Credit: ITV News Anglia

The new Marina Centre complex will include:

  • A six-lane 25m pool with disabled access and seating for 120 spectators

  • Confidence water area and learner pool with moveable floor

  • Fun play features, two water flumes and a splash pad

  • Health suite with sauna, steam and spa

  • 100-station health and fitness gym

  • External first floor terrace with views to the sea

  • Four-court multi-purpose sports hall

  • Indoor climbing zone for all ages

  • Fitness and spin studios

  • Café with views to the beach

This video shows a computer animation of what the new Great Yarmouth seafront leisure centre will look like

The car parking area will be doubled to 200 spaces.