A 'statement tourist attraction' could replace an abandoned building on the seafront.

Eastern Daily Press: Amazonia reptile zoo, Great Yarmouth. Robyn Hodgins (Animal Care Assistant) pictured holding a Hondouran Milk Snake.Photo:Antony KellyCopy:Annie HirstFor: EDP NORFOLK MAGEDP pics © 2007(01603) 772434Amazonia reptile zoo, Great Yarmouth. Robyn Hodgins (Animal Care Assistant) pictured holding a Hondouran Milk Snake.Photo:Antony KellyCopy:Annie HirstFor: EDP NORFOLK MAGEDP pics © 2007(01603) 772434 (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK PHOTOGRAPHIC © 2007)

An application to bulldoze the old Amazonia reptile zoo on Marine Parade has been lodged by Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

The proposal is to flatten the former reptilarium's boundary walls and fencing, and then clear the debris and level the site, leaving it clean and tidy.

In a statement, a spokesman for the council said: 'The materials are at the end of their lives and the borough council has health and safety concerns about their deteriorating condition, meaning the premises cannot be re-let.

'Its continued presence along the Golden Mile would have a negative impact on the visitor experience and footfall during the season, as well as efforts to promote the site for an appropriate, viable use.

'For these reasons, the borough council has submitted a planning application to demolish what is now an obsolete building, with no foreseeable commercial use.

'Looking ahead, the council aspires to attract a statement tourist attraction to this prominent site, providing yet another special reason to visit the borough and thereby supporting the local economy.'

The council is now in the early stages of investigating potential options, although no agreement has been reached with any particular operator.

The 30-year-old agricultural greenhouse, which has a crude timber-framed canopy, opened as a butterfly farm in 1986 and more recently became a reptile zoo, closing its doors in 2014.

A consultation with neighbours on the proposals was launched today, (February 5), with a deadline for comments on the application due by February 26.

If approved, it is hoped that demolition work can take place before Easter.

What would you like to see replace the Amazonia building?

What statement tourist attraction can you see going on the site?

Should the area be grassed over and used for seating, leisure and picnics?

Write to Letters at the Mercury by emailing anne.edwards@archant.co.uk or write to The Mercury, 169 King Street, Great Yarmouth NR30 2PA