People have had their first look around a former retail warehouse which has been developed for use by community groups and businesses in Norwich by members of a church.

The Proclaimers Church used to hold its services in the Ramada Jarvis hotel, but has renovated the former Fabric Warehouse, on Roundtree Way, in Sprowston, to create a new venue known as The Space which can hold up to 500 people.

The Space, which was developed by the church as somewhere large to host its Sunday services, is made up of a series of flexible spaces and can be used as a venue for other groups and businesses.

The venue invited scores of people to come and see for themselves what is on offer as part of a special open day event held yesterday.

Owen Morgan, centre manager, said in addition to making something that worked for members of the church they also wanted to create somewhere that would work for most businesses, charities and community organisations.

He said: 'It was very much an open day for who people who are looking to hire The Space.

'We had a lot of small businesses coming to check out The Space as a possible conference and meeting venue.

'We feel we're offering something a little bit different and appreciate how people have responded. It was a good day.'

The open day event included a host of fun activities for all the family, from The Space Giant Scalextric Challenge and an F1 Simulator to a pamper room with free massage for all.

For more information about The Space visit www.thespacenorwich.co.uk, or call 01603 484630.

Have you got a story about a new venue in Norwich? Call Peter Walsh on 01603 772436.