Holt’s new community hub would house TIC and hold exhibitions

As part of the plan, Holt's tourist information centre (TIC) could be open all year round rather than for just six months.

The TIC is currently operated by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) at a leased shop unit in the Market Place.

North Norfolk District Council's Cabinet agreed to transfer the service to Holt Town Council (HTC) at a meeting on Monday, December 4.

It will be supported by a one-off capital grant of £100,000 from the district council.

Nigel Dixon, NNDC cabinet member for tourism, said: 'This will allow much longer opening hours throughout the year.'

The decision was also welcomed by Becky Palmer, cabinet member for customer service.

Holt Town Mayor Maggie Pryor said after the meeting that the TIC would be moving to an existing property nearby, which the town council is negotiating to buy.

The Holt TIC has been historically operated by the district council seasonally from Easter to October, opening at various hours throughout the six-month summer season, six days a week from Monday to Saturday.

The town council will recruit volunteer staff to run the TIC.

The new facility will also hold special exhibitions with material from the Holt Society and other groups. The former will be enabled by the storing of the large collection of exhibits in possession of the society.

A report to Cabinet states that 'this proposal is a win-win for both councils. HTC needs a larger more centrally located office, as the town is predicted to double in size over the next few years. NNDC will be able to reduce costs while providing a prompt, easy interface through new technology.

'The proposed building is in a prime position with room for the town council to grow and have a strong presence on the high street. HTC has a vision of this building being a central hub for activities and services in Holt.'

The town council has offered to take on the service from spring 2018.