Work to restore one of Norwich's most significant historic buildings will begin next week, after years of neglect when it was feared the property would be lost to the ravages of time.
The grade II listed Howard House has stood empty for more than 25 years and, because its condition was deteriorating so badly, it was placed on Historic England's list of heritage at risk.
But when Orbit Homes bought the neighbouring St Anne's Wharf site in King Street, Howard House - believed to date to the late 16th or early 17th century - was part of the deal.
After a quarter of a century of standing empty, the building, which originally belonged to Henry Howard, the Duke of Norfolk, is to get a new lease of life.
Local building contractors WS Lusher and Son Ltd has been appointed to carry out the restoration and will start within days. The house will be converted into an office.
Orbit's £70m project for what it calls St Anne's Quarter, could see 437 apartments constructed on St Anne's Wharf, which was once the garden of Howard House.
Maggie McCann, development director at Orbit Homes, said: 'The historical significance of this site makes it an incredibly exciting development for Orbit Homes. St Anne's Quarter will sit atop Henry Howard's former garden, so we're delighted to be starting the works to restore his beloved summer house.'
The development site's medieval history - when it was the Austin Friars Priory, was revealed during an archaeological excavation conducted last summer.
Archaeologists at the dig uncovered treasure and skeletons dating back to the 14th century.
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