An iconic building steeped in history could soon be at the heart of Norwich's heritage trail under a vision unveiled today.
Culture bosses want to throw open Norwich's Guildhall and raise its profile as a visitor attraction in the region.
The Norwich's Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) has taken on a 25-year lease of the iconic landmark next to the market from Norwich City Council.
As of January 2015 the building, which was formerly home to courts, a prison, a chapel and the tax man, will be another place to explore Norwich's past.
Christine Frazer, chair of HEART, said: 'We're thrilled to be developing one of Norwich's heritage gems.
'Our Heritage Open Days events show that people are fascinated with The Guildhall and want to find out more about this unique building, so, from the New Year onwards, we'll be increasing public access, running open days and talks, and developing education and learning programmes.'
HEART has also taken over Caley's Cocoa Café, which heritage leaders hope will following in the same successful footsteps of Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum, which was taken over in 2009.
As England's largest provincial medieval city hall outside London, the Guildhall was the centre of governance from the early 15th century before being replaced with the current City Hall in 1938.
It is also one of the Norwich 12 – the finest collection of individually outstanding heritage buildings from the Norman, medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras.
Brenda Arthur, leader of Norwich City Council, said she hoped the plans would encourage more people to explore The Guildhall.
She said: 'It is one of Norwich's prize assets in terms of its heritage, but while so many of us regularly walk past it, few of us will have looked around it.
'HEART has a wonderful track record in raising the profile of the city's heritage and this is exciting opportunity for The Guildhall to get the attention it deserves.'
Pre-booked tours of The Guildhall are available from the city's blue badge guides and information and you can find out more about these from the city council-run tourist information centre at The Forum.
HEART is also running seasonal events at The Guildhall from October to December – find out more at www.heritagecity.org.
Are you involved in a heritage project in your community? Email rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here