The ongoing redevelopment of a building once at the heart of Great Yarmouth's fishing industry has been bolstered by a further £400,000 investment.

As its conversion into a national centre for outdoor arts and circus programmes continues, the Ice House will receive almost half a million pounds from Arts Council England to help furnish the interior.

The building's owners, Out There Arts, have said the funds will go towards an immersive projection experience, additional seating and activities to improve its ability to serve as a heritage learning centre.

The additional funding will also go towards making the venue more sustainable and accessible for its future use as a hub for performing arts. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Out There Arts chief and artistic director, Joe Mackintosh.Out There Arts chief and artistic director, Joe Mackintosh. (Image: SeaChange Arts)Out There Arts' chief Joe Mackintosh said: "This investment will allow us to deploy cutting edge, large-scale immersive experiences for our events. 

"This funding will also purchase tables and chairs for The Ice House and develop a solar powered trailer – allowing us to reduce the carbon footprint of our events across Great Yarmouth."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Ice House will open as a circus centre in 2025.The Ice House will open as a circus centre in 2025. (Image: Out There Arts)Work began at the redevelopment in February after the group secured £2m in funding. The updated Ice House will feature an internal mezzanine, an outside balcony and a lift.

The centre is scheduled to open next year.