Official event celebrates opening of The Place in Great Yarmouth

A celebratory event was held this week to mark the official opening of The Place, a new library and learning hub located in the heart of Great Yarmouth.

The regenerated former Palmers department store now offers the local community a library, registration services, adult learning and higher education courses together under one roof.  

The development of The Place was funded and supported by the Government’s Town Deal, the Future High Streets Fund as well as from The Place’s key partners; East Coast College, the University of Suffolk and Norfolk County Council. 

Within the building will be The Place University Centre, run by the University of Suffolk, that will offer a mixture of learning opportunities including foundation degree, bachelor's and apprenticeship adult nursing, nursing associate and assistant practitioner courses. Students on these courses will benefit from excellent facilities including a simulated hospital ward.

In addition, The Place University Centre will provide a space to develop collaborative relationships with regional businesses, through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes and a range of partnership opportunities designed to address workforce needs and support business growth.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, Professor Jenny Higham attended the opening event and commented: “As a civic university, we can offer so much to the region, and we hope to help generate economic growth for Great Yarmouth by building collaborative relationships with regional businesses and employers and supporting their workforce needs and development."

"The facilities within the University Centre include a fully-equipped, simulated hospital ward which we aim to use to deliver nursing, nursing associate and assistant practitioner courses, which can develop the skills much-needed by local NHS providers.”

Speaking at the official opening The Lady Dannatt MBE, Lord-Lieutenant for Norfolk, said: ‘’The Place is a landmark institution that will serve as a library, learning and university centre for Great Yarmouth and so much more.

‘’It is the result of immense dedication, collaboration, and hard work. I wish to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of his Majesty, The King, to everyone who has played a role in bringing this vision to life. The Place stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships, shared ambition and a commitment to delivering vital services that will benefit this community, not just for years to come, but hopefully for generations to come.’’

Paul Padda, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of East Coast College, said: ‘’This is a significant milestone in our community. The Place represents a beacon of opportunity: a place where individuals from all walks of life can come to expand their knowledge, develop new skills and pursue their passions.

"We are incredibly proud of the of our facilities here and the diverse range of programmes we intend to offer at The Place.’’