The new owners of Great Yarmouth's Star Hotel are keen to see how the historic building has changed over the years.

Eastern Daily Press: The former Star Hotel on Hall Quay in Great Yarmouth, later demolished so the site could be used for the new telephone exchange in 1936. On the left is the Stone House, later to become Cromwell Hotel. Picture: COLIN TOOKE COLLECTIONThe former Star Hotel on Hall Quay in Great Yarmouth, later demolished so the site could be used for the new telephone exchange in 1936. On the left is the Stone House, later to become Cromwell Hotel. Picture: COLIN TOOKE COLLECTION (Image: Picture: COLIN TOOKE COLLECTION)

Howard Bossick and his son Paul, who are carrying out a top-to-toe refurbishment of the building, would like to see old illustrations and photographs, with a view to displaying some.

'It's a really interesting building and we would very much like to see how it has evolved over the years,' said Paul. 'Not just those lovely old Victorian images but also pictures taken by customers over the years showing the hotel in its heyday. We know people have such happy memories of the Star. We would, of course, seek permission before using any pictures.'

Howard and his son Paul have big plans for the 40 bedroom-building once at the heart of the town's holiday and business bookings.

After buying the hotel Mr Bossick said: 'We are going to restore the hotel to its former glory. A new star is to be born.'

Eastern Daily Press: Library image of the Star Hotel in Great Yarmouth. Photo: Sonya DuncanLibrary image of the Star Hotel in Great Yarmouth. Photo: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Under his scheme a £450,000 first phase will see the ground floor and 20 of the 40 bedrooms refurbished to a four star standard.

Mr Bossick, who has worked at the Savoy and Dorchester in London, is keen to grow the function side of the hotel's offer catering for parties, conferences and weddings and also plans to re-open the Nelson Bar and the first floor terrace restaurant with views over the river.

Phase two will see the other 20 bedrooms given a modern makeover with flat screen TVs and completely new bathrooms at a cost of £200,000.

Mr Bossick bought the hotel from Elizabeth Holdings.

He said: 'From what we have seen of Great Yarmouth we like the look of the town and feel there is a lot of potential.'

Parts of the Grade II-listed building are said to date back to the 17th century.

After it shut nine days before Christmas last year the hotel was being advertised for sale on Rightmove for £685,000.

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