Plan to host events at 'beautiful' historic venue

Some of the current Carrow House tenants got together for a photo recently

Plans to transform a historic city venue have emerged as a group of charities continue to rejuvenate the previously disused site.

Carrow House in Norwich was once home to the Colman family but was taken on by Norwich Unity Hub (NUH) at the end of last year.

Now a premises licence application has been lodged with Norwich City Council for it to become an events venue, after NUH started working with a wedding planner.

Alicia Howell, NUH's chair of trustees, said: "The events space was really an idea because it is such a beautiful building and we needed to be able to supplement the cost of running the building."

The Victorian property forms part of the former Colman's Mustard factory site, Carrow Works, which sat empty for years.

Almost 2,000 homes were proposed for the site in 2022 but councillors refused the plans due to concerns over a lack of affordable homes.

Norwich Unity Hub took on a three-year lease at Carrow House in late 2024

NUH has signed a low-rent agreement for three years, says the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The hub's new application is for a premises licence from October, which would allow plays, dances, live music and film screenings to be held, as well as alcohol to be served.

NUH business development manager Sarah King said: "In order to generate income for Norwich Unity Hub, we plan to use the premises for internal and external events.

"These could include weddings, corporate and public events, and special occasions.

"We envisage a maximum 100 attendees to such events, although craft fairs may see larger numbers, but more than 1,000 is unlikely."

Norwich Unity Hub has been working with a wedding planner

The Grade II* listed site in King Street currently provides hot-desking and permanent office space to local organisations.

Ms Howell said: "Carrow House is brilliant in lots of ways and is much more than we had ever expected to be able to get, so we have over 20 community groups using the space plus various other groups using it as an occasional hire space.

"But because it's got a beautiful orangery attached to it and outdoor space, it seemed to really lend itself to events.

"We've explored that option and have been working with a wedding planner... to make the best use of that space.

"All the money raised will go to us as a charity to help support the other groups that are in the community hub."

People have until 21 August to comment on the licence application.