The conversion of a former pub into a community hub is nearing its next stage with the hope of being completed next summer.

Sprowston Town Council revealed plans for the former Viking pub and Royal Bengal Restaurant to undergo a complete overhaul last year.  

The Viking Centre project could cost up to £1m but would introduce a multi-functional hub into the suburb complete with a kitchen, toilets, hall and cafe bar.  

Norwich Evening News: The venue has been empty since 2019 The venue has been empty since 2019 (Image: Sprowston Town Council)

The tender for the work will close at the end of this month, which means it is only a few days before the council selects the contractor who will complete the exciting work.  

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Town council chairman Bill Couzens said: “It is very exciting – we expect the new community centre to be open at the end of May or June next year. 

“It won’t look a lot different but when you go round the back is where you’ll really see the big difference.”  

Norwich Evening News: Artist impressions show what the extensions will look like Artist impressions show what the extensions will look like (Image: Sprowston Town Council)

There will be a large rectangular room in what is currently space not being used at the back.  

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Mr Couzens continued: “When the old pub came up for sale the council took the decision to buy it using CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) money accumulated from the new homes that have been built. 

“As we have a neighbourhood plan in place we receive 25pc of the CIL instead of 10pc which we would have received without one.  

Norwich Evening News: Sprowston Town Councillors visited the site Sprowston Town Councillors visited the site (Image: Sprowston Town Council)

“I was a district councillor at the time of writing the neighbourhood plan and it was very clear that there are no community facilities in the west of Sprowston.” 

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Following their purchase the council invited locals to have their say on what they wanted and needed.  

Mr Couzens added: “We had a lot of visitors and gained very clear guidance on what was required and we've since had many enquiries from local groups who are interested in booking time in the hall. 

Norwich Evening News: The new hub is expected to be completed mid 2024 The new hub is expected to be completed mid 2024 (Image: Sprowston Town Council)

“Another strong desire from the open days was a community cafe, which we intend to provide in some way.” 

Norwich Evening News: Cllr Bill Couzens is very excited about the work Cllr Bill Couzens is very excited about the work (Image: Newsquest)