A conservation regeneration scheme has finally come to an end after transforming one of Great Yarmouth's most historic quarters.

Some of the town's most architecturally valued buildings have either been repaired or converted since the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme launched in April 2012.

The £4m project has been centred on the King Street and St George's area – close to the town centre and to South Quay – which was a key site for merchants and businesses, during Yarmouth's trading heyday, from the 17th century onwards.

The conservation work led to some historic discoveries, including wall paintings thought to date from between 1650 and 1700.

Barry Coleman, the deputy council leader for Great Yarmouth, said: 'The King Street area, with the refurbished St George's Theatre and new Skippings Gallery at its centre, isnow a jewel in Great Yarmouth's cultural crown and I am sure it will act as a catalyst for further investment and regeneration in the area.'

Darren Barker, the borough council's principal conservation officer, said: 'The precious wall paintings, now expertly cleaned and conserved at 135 King Street, have helped to improve our understanding of Great Yarmouth as a fabulously wealthy trading port in the late 17th and 18th centuries.'

The scheme was funded through a number of sources, including the Heritage Lottery Fund and Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

The main projects of the THI were:

St George's Theatre - Complete repair and refurbishment of the former grade I-listed former chapel, dating from 1714, plus the addition of a sympathetically-designed St George's Pavilion and new St George's Plaza.

The former Old White Lion pub - Conversion of the 15th century, grade II*listed former pub to provide much-needed residential accommodation.

133 King Street- Conversion of an 18th century, grade II-listed former merchant's house with attached warehouse to create a new commercial art gallery, plus on-site artists' studios. The gallery has been recently re-launched as Skippings Gallery, referencing the building's previous incarnation as Skippings Store.

134 King Street - Restoration of a 19th century, grade II-listed building for residential use, with the addition of a replacement shopfront.

135 King Street - Repair and conversion of a grade II-listed property, including a Georgian former merchant's townhouse and two row cottages dating from about 1550, to provide office and residential accommodation.