New community space opens in North Walsham

The new space with gardens now provides a safe path from a car park to the market place in North Walsham

Timber from Cromer Pier and glass from old public toilets have been used to turn a derelict and unused yard into a community garden.

North Norfolk District Council bought the Black Swan Loke site in North Walsham in March 2021 as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone.

The new open space with gardens now provides a safe path from a car park to the market place.

Councillor Paul Heinrich said it had "totally transformed the space".

It took 12 weeks to turn an overgrown yard into a community garden

The council worked in partnership with Historic England to turn the overgrown former woodworking yard of a furniture maker into the communal walkthrough.

More than 77% of the materials used were recycled, with wood panelling made from decommissioned timbers from the Cromer Pier decking and the glass detailing is light casing reclaimed from the council's demolished public toilets.

Liberal Democrat councillor Mr Heinrich, who is responsible for sustainable growth, said: "For years this has been a derelict area for as long as I can remember - I grew up in the town, so a very long time.

"When I first saw it, after we demolished the walls, I looked at it and thought 'what can we do with it?'

"But [council] officers have come up with a wonderful scheme, that's totally transformed the space.

"It's now usable and it provides a lovely walkthrough from the car park - another great asset for the town."

A mosaic by artist Gary Drostle includes residents' favourite elements of the town and its history

Tony Calladine, East of England regional director for Historic England, said: "It will help people who come into town and spend money. One of the things it's doing here is showing that the historic environment is a catalyst for regeneration."