'All Aboard!’ – Major new Cromer restoration project unveiled

Date published: 26th October 2026

Plans to breathe new life into an historic building in Cromer are moving forward. Charity the Norfolk Railway Foundation is behind the project to refurbish and revitalise the disused Cromer Station House on Holt Road.

Tonight, Cromer Town councillors voted in principle to relocate their council offices and civic base to the Station House, subject to the project securing funding and planning permission.

The Town Council would become a key anchor tenant in the building, which also aims to provide community meeting and activity spaces.

With the motto. “Preserving the Past – Inspiring the Future”, NRF’s proposal will also provide for a museum on railway history, interactive visitor experience, café and event space.

Previously run as the Bouncers nightclub, which closed in 2015, the building has fallen into disrepair. NRF want to restore the landmark building to its former splendour and return the Station House to full use while celebrating the rich history of the railways in Norfolk.

NRF is now exploring grant and funding options to secure the building’s future. They have been supported in getting the proposals this far by Cromer Town Council and North Norfolk District Council.

NRF Chair, Steven Ashling, said:

"We are delighted that Cromer Town Council have elected to move to Cromer Station House. This partnership is really good news for the local community as not only will the Council have fresh, affordable and fully accessible accommodation, but every penny of income supports the development and long-term sustainability of this valuable community asset"

Cromer Town Council Mayor, Cllr Patrick Bennett, said:

"Cromer Town Council fully recognise the importance of this building to the town and the opportunity it presents to bring it back into community use. There has been a call for Cromer Town Council to relocate to fully accessible premises more suitable for modern working.

"The Town Council have been working quietly over the last year with the NRF to secure potential office space at Cromer Station House following its proposed refurbishment. The relocation is subject to contract, legal advice, Council approval of the architectural plans and the NRF securing the necessary funding."

Leader of NNDC, Cllr Tim Adams, said:

"This project has the potential to make a big impact in Cromer. Restoring and reopening the Station House will return an important building to community use and remove what has been a longstanding eyesore for residents and visitors alike. NNDC has been working with our partners at Cromer Town Council and the NRF and will continue to support the plans as they move ahead."