Broadland District Councillor Caroline Karimi-Ghovanlou and Chairman of Sprowston Town Council Bill Couzens officially reopened the Viking Community Building, marking the beginning of a new era for the historic site.

Originally built in 1956 as the Viking Pub, the building has undergone a major transformation into a modern, multi-purpose community hub. Led by Sprowston Town Council, the £2 million refurbishment and extension was funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and aims to provide a vibrant and flexible space for residents.

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Cllr Karimi-Ghovanlou said: "The time, work, and effort that has gone into transforming and preserving this landmark building at the heart of the community is to be applauded. The town council has created an incredible, vibrant space, perfect for local events and activities, that can be enjoyed by the whole community for many years to come. It is so nice to see Community Infrastructure Levey being used to support the local community in this way."

Sprowston Town Council acquired the site in 2021 with the goal of creating a space that better meets the needs of the community. The redevelopment includes a large single-storey extension, adding nearly 2,000 square feet of floor space.

The ground floor now houses a spacious multi-purpose hall and two fully equipped function rooms, each with storage, toilet, and tea-making facilities. At the heart of the building is a new café bar, Longboats and Lattes, with its own toilet facilities and a cellar stockroom. The first floor has been repurposed into three office units, and a new community shop is set to open next month.