IHBC Conservation Directory features the restoration of Great Yarmouth Winter Gardens
Faye Davies has contributed a case study to an article, by Jonathan Taylor, on Victorian Iron and Glass Roofs in the 2025 edition of the Institute of Historic Building’s Conservation Directory.
The Winter Gardens prior to restoration
“While many historic iron and glass structures have been successfully repurposed, others still face uncertain futures. The Grade II* listed Winter Gardens in Great Yarmouth represents both the challenges of preserving these structures and the innovative approaches being developed to save them. As the only surviving Victorian iron-and-glass structure of its scale situated on a seaside promenade, it holds national significance.
Following decades of exposure to harsh coastal conditions and inadequate maintenance, the glazing system has deteriorated significantly, leading to the Winter Gardens being placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Glass degradation is evident throughout, with many panes cracked, missing, or suffering from micro-fractures due to thermal expansion. The delicate iron framework has been compromised by corrosion, while poor roof drainage has exacerbated these issues by allowing water ingress.
A new and sustainable retrofit approach has been developed by a team led by Burrell Foley Fischer Architects, to preserve the structure, to ensure the long-term viability of the building, and to secure the capital funding required to prevent further deterioration. Funded by a Heritage Horizon Award of over £12 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with additional financial support from the Town Deal Fund and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the project aims to transform the Winter Gardens into a vibrant cultural and commercial hub contributing to the town’s regeneration and enhancing environmental sustainability. A key element of this restoration involves addressing significant glazing defects, structural weaknesses, and inefficient roof drainage.”
Architect’s impression of the tower following restoration
“The restoration of the Winter Gardens’ glazing system represents a crucial step in securing the future of this historic structure while ensuring environmental resilience. By employing the latest glazing technologies, reinforcing the structural framework, reinstating original timber screens, and enhancing drainage and ventilation, the project successfully balances heritage conservation with modern engineering solutions.
On completion, the Winter Gardens will once again stand as a landmark of Great Yarmouth’s seafront, reclaiming its status as a vibrant “People’s Palace” while integrating contemporary sustainability principles. The careful selection of materials and restoration techniques ensures that this iconic structure remains both functionally robust and historically authentic, preserving its legacy for generations to come.”
The IHBC is the professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment experts working in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with connections to the Republic of Ireland. The Institute exists to establish, develop and maintain the highest standards of conservation practice, to support the effective protection and enhancement of the historic environment, and to promote heritage-led regeneration and access to the historic environment for all.
The Building Conservation Directory has been Published annually by Cathedral Communications since 1993. The Directory contains over 1,000 contacts for the conservation and repair of historic buildings, together with articles and other useful information. Members of the IHBC receive the publication free of charge, and an on-line version is available at www.buildingconservation.com. The website includes an archive of over 250 articles on conservation issues, together with a searchable database of consultants, craftsmen, products and materials, courses and sources of information and advice.