Concerns that plans for Norwich's Royal Hotel have stalled

Proposals to rejuvenate the former Royal Hotel emerged in 2019 when Indian investment firm Turnit Capital said it wanted to convert the first, second and third floors back into a hotel, with global brand Accor lined up to operate it.

As well as creating 40 jobs, a rooftop bar and restaurant would have been built, with the upper floors of the late 19th century building undergoing complete renovations.

Permission for the overhaul of the Agricultural Hall Plain building was granted by Norwich City Council, which said it would "increase vitality and activity in the city centre" and be the "optimum viable use of a historic listed building". 

The Norwich Society also supported the proposal, welcoming the prospect of the heritage asset being returned to its original use, but five years later the scheme seems to have been dropped.

Turnit Capital and Accor have both been approached a number of times for comment by this newspaper and no reply has been received. 

The hotel thrived in the early 20th century (Image: Newsquest)

With the building's immediate future looking murky, a Norwich Society spokeswoman said: "The Royal Hotel is a significant part of Norwich's Victorian-built heritage. 

"It is disappointing that the proposed renovations have not proceeded but the last five years have not been propitious for property investment and development. 

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"The Norwich Society will continue to monitor developments and encourage high-quality proposals which combine conservation of this famous landmark with its development for modern uses and accommodation."

The former Royal Hotel, in Agricultural Hall Plain in Norwich (Image: David Freezer/Newsquest)

A city council spokesman added: "Since permission was granted in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic and changing economic circumstances have meant the developer has chosen not to pursue the hotel use to this date.

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"We understand they are currently reviewing their plans for the building, including looking at alternative uses."

History of the Royal Hotel

Work commenced on its construction in 1896, and took only 13 months to complete, costing £23,905 - equivalent to £2.6m today. 

Designed by Edward Thomas Boardman, the son of Edward Boardman, the family firm was responsible for many of Norwich's most famous landmarks, such as the Alexandra Mansions and the Railway Mission in Prince of Wales Road and the Anchor Buildings in Red Lion Street. 

Owing to dwindling fortunes and accessibility, the hotel closed in 1977 (Image: Newsquest)

In the early parts of the 20th century it flourished, however, as people grew more and more reliant on cars, the hotel's business declined - due to its lack of on-site parking.

When The Royal ceased to be a hotel in 1977 it was largely converted to use as offices. 

Today it's home to The Royal Business Centre, Bidwells, the Be At One bar and a handful of other businesses.