The revamp of a former pub and restaurant on the outskirts of the city has moved a step closer towards completion.
Plans were lodged by Sprowston Town Council last year to convert the former Viking pub and Royal Bengal restaurant in Tills Road into a community venue.
The site, which was purchased by the authority in May 2021, will be extended to form a new multi-purpose facility known as the Viking Centre.
And details unveiled at a town council meeting have revealed plans to select a contractor by October in time for work to begin in November.
The project is then expected to be completed by May 2024.
The town council says the existing building will be fully refurbished internally including the removal of all existing redundant plants and equipment.
It will comprise of a large, multi-function hall with separate storage, toilets and a kitchen.
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An additional 1,991sqft of new floor space will also be created by the extension.
On the ground floor, two self-contained function rooms will be formed, each containing storage, toilets and tea-making facilities.
Alongside the new function rooms, a cafe bar will be created in the central area of the building - which will also be self-contained and have its own toilet facilities and services along with a stock room within the cellar.
The first-floor layout will be converted into three small office units with toilet and tea-making facilities.
The existing car park will be resurfaced and re-lined to accommodate 16 car parking spaces and two accessible access spaces for both staff and visitors.
Six wall-mounted electric car charging points will also be provided.
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The Viking pub was built in 1956 and opened the following year.
It closed in 2007 before a bid was lodged to turn the site into the Royal Bengal Indian restaurant in 2010.
Purchased by Sazu Miah, the restaurant was closed down in mid-2019.
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