Former nightclub could become council offices
6 minutes ago
Owen Sennitt
Norfolk
A former nightclub and railway station building that has been derelict for a decade could be brought back to life and used as council offices.
Norfolk Railway Foundation, a charity that preserves the county's railway history, wants to renovate Cromer Station House, and Cromer Town Council said it wanted to move in.
The 19th Century building is located next to the town's station on Holt Road and is one of the first buildings people see when they get off the train.
Jill Boyle, a town and district councillor, said it had become an "eyesore" but could become "a buzz of activity" again if the renovation plans proceed.
Station House has been owned by many different businesses, including a wine merchant and supermarket chain Safeway.
It later became a nightclub called Bouncers, which shut in 2015.
The Norfolk Railway Foundation (NFR) said it wanted to restore the landmark building to its "former splendour" and it is exploring grants and other funding options.
This week, the town council voted to become its future tenants and it plans to relocate its council offices and civic base, subject to the project securing funding and planning permission.
Steven Ashling, chairman of the NFR, said: "This partnership is really good news for the local community as not only will the council have fresh, affordable and fully accessible accommodation, but every penny of income supports the development and long-term sustainability of this valuable community asset."
The town council is currently exploring options for its current offices at North Lodge, a Grade II-listed house located at the top of Cromer's cliffs.
Boyle said moving to Station House would mean it could modernise the council's offices and make them accessible to all, which it was not able to do at North Lodge.
The council also hopes to provide community meeting and activity spaces at the new site.
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