Earlham House in Earlham Road, Norwich

Proposals are being mooted to revitalise a community shopping and housing complex by transforming it into a cultural centre.

Long-awaited renovation work is taking place at Earlham House, in Earlham Road, Norwich, as Bellgold Properties, owners of the freehold to the site, comply with council improvement notices.

And despite initial issues for tenants and businesses, talk is emerging of how to develop the area, led by Jon Jones, chairman of the Earlham House Residents’ and Community Association.

Mr Jones is encouraging people to put forward their ideas, with his own including creating a green area that could house farmers’ markets and a small stage.

Mr Jones has also suggested painting the roof in “bold, bright colours”.

He said: “The point is we can turn Earlham House into a cultural centre. In a way it already is – there is an eclectic array of independent businesses who we want to stay. The point is, people will want to live here, people will want to visit here and people will want to work here.”

Claire Stephenson, Nelson ward Green Party councillor, said: “I think Earlham House is a cultural hub already. People meet up there, lots of things happen, but it would be really nice to make that more official.”

Earlham House is set to feature in Dispatches on Channel 4 tonight, from 8pm. The programme is investigating leaseholds.

Are you looking at trying to revitalise your community? Call reporter Richard Wheeler on 01603 772474.