The Waterside has officially unveiled a new exhibition space and gift shop on the edge of Rollesby Broad.

The owners have created an immersive exhibition where people can learn about the history of the Broads and also buy souvenirs.

The Waterside has opened a new Broads exhibition space. (Image: Matt Brasnett/'I Do Photography')

Paige Hunter, head of marketing at The Waterside, said: "The owners had the space to turn it into an exhibition and encourage more people to visit us.

"It is an audiovisual exhibition and there are ten screens relating to the Broads.

"There are videos about how the Broads has changed, the wildlife and restoration of the Broads. We want to show off the history of the Broads."

Boats moored on Rollesby Broad. (Image: Matt Brasnett/'I Do Photography')

It comes after the owners secured an £80,000 grant from Great Yarmouth Borough Council via the Rural England Prosperity Fund for the project.

The owners have also spent approximately £80,000 on the venture, which started taking shape in early 2025.

New internal partitioning, electrics, flooring, shelving, doors and windows overlooking Rollesby Broad have been installed in a complete transformation of the former boat shed.

Windows in the exhibition and gift shop look out onto Rollesby Broad. (Image: Matt Brasnett/'I Do Photography')

In the exhibition, each customer will receive an audio device and be able to watch archive footage of the Broads from the East Anglian Film Archive.

A new gift shop has also opened, offering a selection of gifts, artwork, homewares and souvenirs inspired by the Broads and Norfolk's natural beauty.

People shopping in the new gift shop. (Image: Matt Brasnett/'I Do Photography')

In addition, the site will be introducing live craft demonstrations in the shop in which visitors will be able to watch a range of crafters weaving their magic.

Miss Hunter said: "The idea is we invite local crafters to come in and they can have a space for two to three hours.

The Waterside in Rollesby has opened a new gift shop. (Image: Matt Brasnett/'I Do Photography')

"They can then show off their skills and we are hoping to arrange something each Saturday.

"We want to encourage as many art and craft people as possible and there are so many talented people in Norfolk."

© Eastern Daily Press