Ocean Room bidder 'excited' by new tourism offer

The Ocean Room will be transformed into a new tourism offer creating jobs for the local area, according to its prospective purchaser

The frontrunner to buy a historical venue on the Norfolk coast has said the purchase would improve tourism and job opportunities in the area.

Bespoke Construction Group, based at Campbells Meadow in King's Lynn, confirmed to the BBC it was the preferred bidder to purchase the Ocean Room in Gorleston.

The nightclub closed in April 2024 with the previous operator going into administration, which led its owner Great Yarmouth Borough Council to market the freehold.

Stuart Deadman, managing director of Bespoke Construction Group, said: "We are very proud to have this potential opportunity... to bring more tourism and job opportunities to the local area, whilst respecting the art deco heritage."

Concerns about the building's structural integrity stem from several pillars containing steel supports leaning outwards

The firm has appointed architects and said it had already sought pre-planning advice with the council.

The company's statement added: "Bespoke Construction Group is delighted to announce its partnership with renowned architects Feilden+Mawson to deliver a new and exciting space for the local community...revitalising this much-loved art deco landmark.

"The project is about more than construction; it is about creating a vibrant destination that celebrates the building's heritage while generating new tourism and job opportunities for Gorleston."

It would not be drawn on details while the bid was scrutinised through the council's due diligence process.

Stuart Deadman said his proposal for the Ocean Room would create jobs and a new tourism offer for the Gorleston area

Mr Deadman gave assurances the company's finances were robust, following the liquidation of his previous business, Bespoke Norfolk Ltd in May 2020.

He said the decision to go into liquidation was not taken lightly and was based on professional advice owing to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said it was "important to deal with that in a transparent way".

Mr Deadman added: "Today, Bespoke Construction Group is in a strong and stable financial position, successfully delivering projects across East Anglia.

"This experience has taught us the importance of implementing robust business structures for large projects, which is why a new, independent special purpose vehicle will be established for the Ocean Room project, sitting under the parent company.

"This ensures that this potential project is in safe and responsible hands."