Heartbreak for UK seaside town as famous venue up for sale after £800k bill

A nightclub and entertainment venue in that hosted a range of well-known stars has gone on the market a year after its sudden closure. The Ocean Room in hosted performances by Blur in its heyday of the 1990s and has welcomed contemporary artists, including Rag'n'Bone Man, in the years since. But after three decades of family operation - on lease from Great Yarmouth Borough Council - the seaside venue ceased operation in March 2024, with its owners citing financial struggles linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local authority warned that a sale could be in the cards earlier this year, after it emerged that the building, which was opened in 1939, was in need of repairs totalling around £800,000. Residents disappointed at the loss of a historic community facility have launched a petition for a three-month consultation on what should be done with the structure, suggesting that it could be used for "arts, culture, community [or] charity purposes".

"It would be great to see this stay as a nightclub or entertainment venue," one signee said, while another added that the spot was an undeniable "part of Gorleston's history".

While a guide price for the property has not been listed, estate agents Arnold Keys said they are inviting offers from prospective buyers alongside suggestions for the site's redevelopment and future use.

"This iconic building offers a great opportunity for an investor to create a prominent bar, restaurant or leisure facility right at the heart of Gorleston," senior partner Guy Gowing told the Great Yarmouth Mercury.

"The building does require refurbishment and investment, but its wonderful location and rich history makes this a very attractive prospect for serious players in the leisure and tourism sector."

Before becoming The Ocean Room in the 1960s, the venue was known as the Floral Hall and was a hub of entertainment for the seaside town, staging dinner dances, family shows and welcoming big names in music including Pink Floyd and Cream to take the stage under its iconic dome roof.

However, Great Yarmouth Council was left with few options after being owed £47,100 in unpaid rent by Ocean Room Ltd when the company filed for administration last year, the BBC reports.

Surveys were carried out to assess the viability of demolishing the building under the council's ownership, but costs were found to average £500,000.

While one leasing offer was put forward, the authority concluded that the dilapidated state of the structure could mean an expensive rent-free period to cover remediation work. Listing the venue on the market was ultimately judged to be "the lowest risk option".