Buyer needed for old Norwich club site

The former Samson and Hercules (and Ritzy) nightclub.

DAVID BALE
27 November 2009 06:30



It may hold fond memories for Norwich clubbers of a certain age and be in a prime location - but one Norwich landmark still cannot attract a restaurateur to fill one of its empty spaces.

When the former Samson and Hercules nightclub in Tombland, opposite the gates of the cathedral, was redeveloped into homes and commercial space, the apartments were quickly snapped up by buyers including some who had met their future partners there.

Currently, there is only one remaining one-bedroom apartment left in the development, which has secure parking and is on the market for £160,000.

But the search to find a restaurateur to occupy the ground floor of the former nightclub, which has its main entrance flanked by the city's much loved statues Samson and Hercules, has proved more difficult than anticipated,.

Last December the Evening News reported that the restaurant space offering 3,701 sq foot and capable of seating up to 114 diners had already attracted interest from London-based Italian food chains Carluccio's and Strada as well as local Indian and Chinese restaurateurs.

But nearly 12 months later the space is still waiting to be filled and last year's required rental of £80,000 has been reduced to £60,000.

Vicki Hackett, associate at Norwich Savills estate agents, said: “The residential section of the development has been extremely successful - the provision of secure parking, a good specification and an excellent location within the city, all meant that many of the properties were reserved before we had even started marketing the site.

“The commercial unit was the last to be completed and unfortunately coincided with the economic downturn, and pubs and restaurants seemed to suffer the most, so this unit is still available at an asking rent of £60,000 per annum exclusive.

“The unit has been left as a shell, and extends to approximately 3,701 sq ft over ground and basement levels.”

The original Samson and Hercules Mansion was built by the Mayor of Norwich, Christopher Jay in 1657 with the statues originally made from timber, but white replicas were installed when Samson lost an arm.

Over the years, as the venue went from being a ballroom in the 1950s to the nightclub Ritzy's and more recently Ikon and Fifth Avenue, there were plans for the statues to be removed, which sparked a public outcry so they were retained and restored.

For enquiries ring - Commercial: Ben Guest 01603 229 217 and New Homes: Frances Rushmer 01603 229 244.

Which Norwich landmark would you like to see redeveloped? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk

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