Prominent former mill could become 88-bed hotel

St James Mill is a familiar landmark on the Norwich skyline

A prominent city landmark could be transformed into an 88-bedroom hotel under new plans.

The Jarrold Group says it wants to "breathe new life" into St James Mill in Norwich, where the company offices are based.

A public consultation on the plans will be launched on 30 September before a planning application is made to the city council.

Virgin Wines, which leases office space at the site, has declined to comment.

St James Mill is located on the bank of the River Wensum

Proposals for the hotel include a spa, gym, restaurant and bar.

"We take our responsibility as custodians of St James Mill extremely seriously," said Nick Steven-Jones, chief executive of the Jarrold Group.

"It is as a much-loved building that has played a significant role in Jarrolds' history, as well as that of our tenants.

"We know that there is a real demand for a stylish, upmarket, city centre hotel in Norwich... any change of use project must be carefully thought through, to retain the original beauty and historic features of the building."

The Jarrold Group also owns Jarrolds department store in Norwich city centre

The group said it had discussed its plans with organisations such as Historic England and Norwich City Council.

St James Mill, is a Grade I listed building and part of The Norwich 12 - a list of buildings of significant historical importance.

It was built as a yarn mill in 1839 and bought by the Jarrold family in 1903.

In 1919 it was sold to the Ministry of Labour to be used as a training centre at the end of World War One.

Between the 1930s and 1990s, when it was transformed into office space, it was known as Jarrold Printing, which, at its height, employed up to 2,000 people.

The plans will be part of a public exhibition at the mill on 2 and 3 of October.