A church is traditionally associated with an altar, font and an organ for worshippers.

But one 15th century building in the city centre is in the process of being converted into a skatepark. 

Sam Avery, owner of the Drug Store in Bridewell Alley, received planning permission in February to turn the disused St Peter Parmentergate Church in King Street into an indoor skatepark with a retail space and cafe.

And now a heritage management plan has been sent to the city council to ensure historic features of the former church are preserved. 

Suffolk councillor and skating enthusiast Ash Lever has teamed up with Mr Avery for the project. 

Norwich Evening News: Ash Lever skatingAsh Lever skating

He said: "This heritage management plan is in place to make sure the plans are done in a considerate manner. We have had that mindset from the start.

"We want to use this facility for a really interesting and unique purpose but to equally celebrate the heritage features and to engage with a new audience." 

As part of the heritage plan, acrylic screens will be constructed to protect the Berney-Hobart Monument and the reredos altarpiece of the church.

The Berney-Hobart Monument was built in 1623 and is a rare example of a plaster monument which was built on a wooden frame and painted to look like stone.

Norwich Evening News: Statues of Richard Berney and Elizabeth Hobart at St Peter ParmentergateStatues of Richard Berney and Elizabeth Hobart at St Peter Parmentergate

The figures commemorate Richard Berney and his wife Elizabeth Hobart who lived in King Street, and whose families formed important Norfolk dynasties.

Elizabeth Hobart is a direct descendant of Sir James Hobart, the Attorney General to Henry VII, who is buried in Norwich Cathedral, while her cousin Sir Henry Hobart was Attorney General and MP for Norwich.

Norwich Evening News: Sam Avery at the disused St Peter Parmentergate church in King StreetSam Avery at the disused St Peter Parmentergate church in King Street (Image: Archant 2021)

The heritage plan has been created with support from Norwich Historic Churches Trust. 

A separate noise management plan was submitted alongside this to ensure there is no disturbance to others in the area.

Mr Lever added: "It should be a really positive asset for the community and we have not received any criticism for the plans. 

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of the church skatepark plans An artist's impression of the church skatepark plans

"We would like to open as soon as possible and get going. We just need to get everything dotted and crossed."