The Ocean Room in Gorleston, Norfolk, which closed in March 2024 after its tenants entered administration, could be demolished and replaced with a new year-round leisure attraction. The site was sold by Great Yarmouth Borough Council to Ocean Pavilion Ltd, a subsidiary of King's Lynn-based Bespoke Construction Group, for £500,000 in September.
The proposed facility would feature a wellness centre, spa, bars and restaurants, short-term accommodation and children's play areas. The new owners hope to create a venue that can be enjoyed throughout the year, while generating up to 50 jobs.
History and Public Reaction
The Ocean Room has been part of the town for more than eight decades and previously hosted famous bands including Pink Floyd and Blur. Its potential demolition has sparked discussion among locals, with some welcoming the investment while others are concerned about losing the old building.
Early plans were shown to the public at a consultation at Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, where dozens of people turned up to speak to the design team. Hugh Sturzaker, 86, chairman of the Great Yarmouth Civic Society and a former surgeon at James Paget University Hospital, welcomed the proposals.
He said: "I feel that the old Ocean Room had served its purpose. Spas are increasingly popular and I think that will go down well. It is a modern design and I do not think it is out of place. I think that would bring more people in here and more employment. Gorleston is a real gem."
Mixed Views from Locals
Nicola Beavers, 62, who met her partner Karl Beavers, 53, at the Ocean Room 18 years ago, also saw positives in the plans. She said: "I think a spa is a nice idea. I like the play areas for the children. I do think there are lots of positives and I do think with bars and restaurants they are covering everybody really."
But not everyone was convinced by the early designs. Ann Hobson, 70, said: "We think it is going to be massive and dominate the area. All that glass is going to get covered in seagull poo. It is just too tall and I am not a fan of the modern design." Mrs Beavers also raised concerns, adding: "I do think it could take away from the businesses quite a bit and I think it is going to look totally out of place."
Next Steps
Robert Todd, project director at Feilden+Mawson, said the team was looking at the Ocean Room's history as it developed the proposals. He said: "Everyone has a memory of The Ocean Room and that is wonderful. The advice has been to look at the building during its heyday, and we are trying to take influence from that. The facilities are available to everybody. Gorleston wants investment and music, and this is something new, something extra."
Feedback from the consultation will now be compiled and passed to the design team. Architects at Feilden+Mawson are aiming for a formal planning application to be submitted in December or January 2027, with feedback from the consultation set to feed into the design process.
