Former Norwich fire station to become art gallery?

Art organisations are calling for part of the former city fire station in Bethel Street to become an art gallery.

The 1930s-built station was closed in the summer and the new Carrow fire station was opened in August at Trowse.

As reported, Norfolk County Council is selling the former station and expects it will net at least �650,000, with planning permission for a mixture of residential, retail and office use.

But three organisations, Norwich Twenty Group, East Anglia Art Fund and Norfolk Contemporary Art Society want part of it to be converted into an art gallery.

In a letter to the Evening News, they said: 'What a huge loss it will be to the centre of Norwich if this important civic building, opposite the nation's most popular library, ceases to have any public function.

'Surely there must be a way for the two main spaces at the front of the old fire station to take on a new life as vibrant galleries for the display of modern and contemporary art? Many cities in the UK have experienced a sustained growth in tourist numbers due to the presence of a new art gallery in town.'

How would you like to see the old fire station used? Write to Evening News Letters at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk.