Plan to turn Owl Sanctuary pub in Norwich into homes revived

Developer Richard Pratt is hoping to transform the former Owl Sanctuary, in Cattle Market Street, into five two-bedroom houses. 

The former Owl Sanctuary pub in Cattle Market Street (Image: David Freezer)

The project would see the partial demolition of a dilapidated portion of the building, which would then be replaced with a newly built extension towards the bottom of Pigg Lane.

The application comes almost five years after Mr Pratt was granted permission to convert the site, previously named The Marquee and The Shirehall, into seven flats.

But following a series of delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, work on the project never started and the former pub has remained boarded up.

Richard Pratt, who is hoping to develop the site into new homes (Image: Newsquest)

Application documents submitted to Norwich City Council on behalf of Mr Pratt state the revised scheme "provides more spacious living accommodation", makes "better use of the overall site" and lessens "the extent of demolition to the existing building".

The pub closed its doors for the final time after being sold to Mr Pratt in January 2016.

It was listed as an asset of community value after its closure and Mr Pratt had intended to turn it into a "mid-market pub and restaurant", but this plan never materialised.

Instead, the site has gone on to become a derelict eyesore - with its windows and doors being boarded up and graffiti being spray-painted on the walls. 

READ MORE: Bollard replacement promised after taxi seen driving down city footpath

A new planning statement submitted by Mr Pratt said: "This scheme will provide a different type of housing not largely seen in new city centre housing developments.

"The more traditional two bed, two storey house type will appeal to a greater demographic including young families wishing to live in a city centre location.

Campaigners who fought to save the Owl Sanctuary after its closure in 2016 (Image: Newsquest)

"The design of the proposed new-build element has infilled an unsightly area of brownfield land and takes its architectural cue from the adjacent existing properties. The development is considered appropriate in appearance, scale and will blend well with the existing and impending street scenes."

READ MORE: 'We've lost half our trade': Bar furious after being TRAPPED by roadworks

The neighbouring Crystal House was given a refurbishment by mortgage brokers Haysto to bring it back into use last year.

Crystal House, in Cattle Market Street, was refurbished last year (Image: Newsquest)

The city council is hoping to decide on the application by April 18. 

A history of the pub

The building dates back to 1833 and was originally called the the Shirehall Arms.

Its proximity to the cattle market - where Castle Quarter now stands - meant the tavern was popular with livestock dealers and farmers.

The Shirehall pub, pictured in 1991 (Image: Newsquest)

According to planning documents, they were allowed to use the pub's backyard to store their pigs and cattle while enjoying a pint or two.

The building was rebuilt in 1845 and also suffered bomb damage during the Second World War.

The bar at The Marquee pub in Norwich in 2005 (Image: Newsquest)The Marquee pub in Norwich in 2005 (Image: Newsquest)

It has changed ownership and name five times since 1996 - known as The One & Only, Marquee at the Shirehall, Shirehall, Marquee and the Owl Sanctuary. 

Before its closure at the start of 2016, the venue was known as a cornerstone of the city's rock music scene.