Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust (GYPT) has awarded the contract for the restoration of the Iron Duke, on Jellicoe Road in Great Yarmouth, to the Essex-based construction company Stroods.

The £2.5m project is expected to bring the pub back to its former glory as a celebrated example of art deco architecture after it has stood empty for almost 20 years.

The final phase of the job, which will begin on March 2, will include repairs and furnishing the building before it reopens as a bar and restaurant by late summer this year.

The Iron Duke in Great Yarmouth will be restored and reopened in summer 2026. (Image: Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust)

Craig Rallings, a director at Stroods, said: “Stroods are excited to have been appointed to deliver the main phase of works to restore the iconic Iron Duke in Great Yarmouth.

“Having successfully completed the first two phases of the overall regeneration programme, our team has developed a deep understanding of the building’s heritage, site’s challenges, and the collective ambition to bring this much‑loved landmark back into meaningful use.

“We look forward to playing our part in advancing the regeneration of Great Yarmouth and helping to ensure the Iron Duke can be enjoyed for generations to come."

How the Iron Duke could look after its £2.5m restoration. (Image: Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust)

Zaks, one of Norfolk's longest-running restaurant chains, will run a pub and a restaurant on the ground floor, while the first floor will reopen as two holiday flats.

GYPT says the venue will provide a year round destination use, create up to 50 jobs, support the local economy and work with the community offering opportunities to learn, train and volunteer on a host of activities.

The Iron Duke on Jellicoe Road in Great Yarmouth has fallen into disrepair since it closed in 2007. (Image: Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust)

The Iron Duke is a Grade II listed building and was designed by architect Arthur W. Ecclestone in the late 1930s.

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