The Vibrant Colour of Culture project site is situated in the peninsula between the North Sea and the River Yare in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. It is primarily concerned with the transformation of a derelict post-industrial site into a vibrant cultural hub. The town centre to the neighbourhood of South Denes was once a thriving coastal resort, fishing harbour and port for offshore oil rigs. It has degenerated due to the change in the economic climate within South Denes, including a decrease in the number of tourists to Great Yarmouth and a downturn in oil reserves resulting in less port activity.

Context section drawing of Great Yarmouth (north to south)

Attractive views from the site

The aim of the design is to redevelop the site for both temporary users and residents. Temporary users could be artists, artisans, new entrepreneurs, migrant creatives or anyone who feels the urge to become more creative. These activities are a low-cost, bottom-up form of urban development known as tactical urbanism which includes small, pin-point changes to the space. These urban acupuncture events produce a new vibrant, creative culture within the space by people coming together to do something spontaneously to benefit the community. Local communities can help to bring more stability to the place and increase the value given to the land which will help secure the future of the project.

The South Denes Cultural Hub will contribute towards making Great Yarmouth a more vibrant and cultural place to live, work and visit. The development is phased, working towards a significant contribution from the ideas of creatives who will act as a catalyst for the town’s strategy creating a more vibrant cultural identity. Together creative people, such as artists and entrepreneurs, will be the catalyst for the creation of a series of small urban development events. The design will allow more opportunities for strong and vibrant interactions between creative people and the formation of new social, economic and cultural networks.
The provision of the space for these activities is the starting point for allowing opportunities for creative synergies to transform a once derelict urban landscape into a more vibrant place.