Venetian waterways oak pergola

Like many of the UK’s seaside towns in the 1970s, Great Yarmouth was struggling to maintain their holiday destination status.

During the 1920s, they gave livelihood to hundreds of men returning from the war. Through a job creation scheme, it created a tourist asset for the town out of the ruins of wartime.

There were rowing boats, pedaloes and gondola style vessels on the boating lake and a network of waterways running parallel to the towns sandy beach. Over the years the area ran into disrepair and became a shadow of its former self.

The project came about thanks to a £1.7m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Additional funding came from the Borough Council and volunteers.

As a result, with the help of scores of local volunteers, the Venetian Waterways re-opened in August 2019. To conclude, the attraction is now complete with restored ornamental islands and walkways.

Oak By Design became involved in the manufacture of the replacement oak pergola and an oak canopy. This would provide shelter in a seating area. Meanwhile, the architects, Allen Scott Landscape Architecture, contacted them and everyone worked closely with the contractors Blakedown Landscapes.

Between Oak By Design and the contractors, adjustments were made to the initial drawings. This meant they could maintain the sweeping, curved oak pergola design to work within the area required.

Firstly, galvanised flitch plates ( supplied by www.bjsfabricationsltd.co.uk) were manufactured to hold the timbers in place. The design was to show their base, raising the oak from the pathways and allowing the plates to be part of the design.

Secondly, the chunky oak timbers and the shaped cross-bearers for the oak pergola form a fabulous walkway. This passed through the newly reinstated gardens and pathways. Finally, gardeners and volunteers planted 19,500 perennials, shrubs and trees which won praise from the Royal Horticultural Society.