The future of a historic hotel building in Great Yarmouth is being looked at as a council seeks legal advice.

The Grade II-listed Star Hotel on Hall Quay has been closed since March 2020, when the Covid pandemic led to national lockdowns.

Since its closure, the hotel has seen graffiti on the inside of its windows, several fires - including a suspected arson attack in August 2022 - and at least two sets of "urban explorers" making their way into the property and sharing images online.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Firefighters and the police were called to the Star Hotel on Hall Quay on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.Firefighters and the police were called to the Star Hotel on Hall Quay on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. (Image: James Weeds)

Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) is currently seeking legal advice to determine the future of the landmark hotel.

The council said it has contacted the building owner and has "engaged with them about bringing the property back into use".

The council also stated it has not yet sent an invoice to the building owner for repayment of emergency work carried out at the hotel to protect the building.

A GYBC spokesperson said: "The council is seeking legal advice due to the complex ownership issues with the property before looking at what action it can consider.

"No invoices have been sent, but the council has ensured appropriate charges are put on the property to reclaim back the money it has spent trying to secure and protect this building."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: FLASHBACK: The Star Hotel open in 2008.FLASHBACK: The Star Hotel open in 2008.

In September 2020, it emerged that while the hotel had not re-opened when it was allowed to, its rooms were advertised for sale as investments with prices starting at £44,950.

The rooms were being sold on a 149-year lease, with returns of up to 10pc being offered, as well as the option to sell it back for the price paid in five years.
It was billed as a way of raising money to complete a full refurbishment started by its previous owners.

All 41 rooms are registered on the Government's Land Registry site as being privately owned by people from across the world, from South Africa to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

However, less than 18 months after it found a new buyer in 2020, it changed hands for just £1,000, with the new owner being a company based in Malta called 36644 Ltd.

In June last year, the Star Hotel was added to the vulnerable buildings list put together by SAVE Britain's Heritage.