A former museum and art gallery on the coast could be set for a new lease of life.
The 17th century building at 26-27 South Quay in Great Yarmouth has been home to the Norfolk Nelson Museum, the local police force and a draper, among other occupants.
And now, under new plans, it could be turned into a coffee shop.
The proposal, in the hands of planners at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, would see a gallery, cafe and shop open on the ground floor.
READ MORE: Exhibits including Nelson's hair face uncertain future as museum emptied
The plans also include two artists' studios in the courtyard and the first and second floors being converted into a four-bedroom apartment.
The Grade II listed building is currently empty and most recently operated as the Yare Gallery which closed in 2023 before the property was put up for sale this year by the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust.
A document submitted with the application states that internal alterations would "fully regard" the nature of the building while the elements introduced and retained would enhance its architectural value.
A decision on the bid is expected by September 11.
The three-floor building with a walled garden was once the home of parliamentarian Sir George England in the 17th century.
When it was the Nelson Museum, the building displayed thousands of exhibits dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson including a lock of his hair and his boyhood penknife.
The memorabilia had been on display since 2002 until the museum closed in 2019 due to declining visitor numbers and the removal of council funding.
During the 1930s, the building was home to the Archer family and a draper called Edward Crowe traded from the building between 1934 and 1938.
The building was significantly damaged during the bombing raids of the Second World War.
From the late 1940s until 1962, it was a police headquarters, and during the 1970s and 1980s it was used as offices for oil companies.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel