Black Swan Loke in North Walsham reopens as community space

Black Swan Loke, in North Walsham, has opened following works to turn a derelict woodworking yard into a thriving community space.

North Norfolk District Council purchased the plot in March 2021 as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) in partnership with Historic England.

The council purchased the plot in 2021 (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

The space went totally unused for years (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

The disused area is now an attractive walkthrough from the Bank Loke car park, containing benches decorated with glass sourced from demolished council toilets.

Its walls are covered in wooden cladding made from decommissioned timbers from the Cromer Pier decking.

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Councillor Paul Heinrich said: “This has been a derelict area for as long as I can remember -  I grew up in the town, so a very long time.

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

The walkthrough is lined with benches adorned with repurposed glass (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

Its wall cladding is made from decommissioned Cromer Pier decking boards (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

This mosaic was inspired by locals' favourite parts of North Walsham (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

Artist Gary Drostle helped by creating a mosaic mural, inspired by 120 people from North Walsham who submitted their favourite elements of the town and its history.

Flowers were supplied by North Walsham Garden Centre and roses featured in the Chelsea Flower Show were donated by Philip Harkness.

Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director for Historic England, said: "Last time I was here, looking at this space, it was nothing like this.

"It wasn't a place anyone would want to walk through, but what a transformation."

Joe Ballard, of the Black Swan community pub, said he would support anyone with ideas to make the most of the space (Image: North Norfolk District Council)Joe Ballard, from the Black Swan Pub & Theatre close to the walkthrough, added that the venue would support anyone with ideas for things the area could be used for.

"It belongs to the people of North Walsham and they can take ownership of this space," he said.

"Let’s get North Walsham using it."