Great Yarmouth Borough Council proposes to put Ocean Room up for sale

The council-owned building closed last spring when the company leasing it went into administration, following non-payment of rent. The building was returned to the council in a poor state and a number of surveys have been carried out to understand the costs of bringing the building back into use.

The cost of repairs was estimated to be more than £800,000, and included a new roof, rewiring, boiler and heating system, as well as wider structural issues that require attention.

To support decision making on the future of the Ocean Room, the council commissioned an independent report into the development options for the site. The report recommended the council market the building for sale, prior to investing public funds.

Although the council received an offer to lease the Ocean Room, the costs involved in making good the building meant that was not a viable solution.

Councillor Graham Plant, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Operational Property and Asset Management, said: ''The Ocean Room is a key venue in what is a hugely important area for local people and visitors to Gorleston.

''It is important for everyone that such a high-profile and well-loved venue in such a prominent position is brought back into use as soon as practically possible.

''But given the poor state of repair it is crucial we fully evaluated all the options available to us and that we provide the best value for money in whatever we do.''

The independent report, carried out by Cushman and Wakefield, considered possible demolition and redevelopment for leisure, residential, hotel, senior living or care home options for the site.

However, demolition and development by the council has been ruled out at this stage, and there is a recommendation to market the freehold of the building, initially for a period of three months, to ascertain market appetite. If the building fails to attract a buyer the council will re-consider its options.

Councillor Plant said: ''There are significant financial risks for the council in it taking on work at the Ocean Room. But doing nothing is not an option and no one wants to see the building deteriorate. Selling the venue would be the best thing we could do in the circumstances.''