Great Yarmouth's seafront, town centre and the heritage quarter will be revitalised

Great Yarmouth's seafront, town centre and the heritage quarter will be revitalised with the aim of putting the town back on the tourist map - and attracting more private investment.

Norfolk County Council leader Alison King said it was great news for Great Yarmouth and the whole of Norfolk.

"A successful Great Yarmouth is of crucial importance to the county's economy.

"I am looking forward to seeing the real difference this will bring to the town and I am sure that residents and visitors alike will be similarly impressed as the changes take shape."

Funding partners include East of England Development Agency - �8m European Objective 2 - �4.7m Heritage Lottery Fund - �2m Norfolk County Council - �1.5m

The East of England Development Agency said the scheme would also help to create or safeguard up to 600 jobs.

The agency's deputy chair, Sal Brinton, said the project was about creating a stimulus for change in Great Yarmouth which suffers from high levels of deprivation.

"Creating an attractive environment is paramount if the area is to capitalise on the opportunities it has to establish itself as a key area for tourism.

"However, from a point of view of economic development, a new look area for Great Yarmouth could also do a great deal to raise the confidence of local businesses and persuade new firms to relocate to what is an attractive part of the East of England."

We look forward to an exciting period in the borough's history Great Yarmouth Borough council leader Barry Coleman

The key improvements will be made in various areas including Marine Parade, Regent Road, King Street, Broad Row and Market Row.

A whole range of visitor facilities will be improved with schemes aimed at giving greater priority to pedestrians and radically overhauling the promenades and extra provision of lighting and CCTV.

"Our seafront, town centre and our heritage help shape the character of the borough," said Great Yarmouth Borough council leader Barry Coleman.