The Viking Centre

Once a derelict pub and Indian restaurant, The Viking Centre has been transformed into a vibrant, multi-purpose community hub for Sprowston. Formerly home to the Viking Pub and Royal Bengal restaurant, the building has undergone extensive refurbishment and extension to deliver a modern, flexible facility tailored to the needs of local residents.

It also stands as a symbol of sustainable regeneration, reviving a neglected building through a fabric-first approach and the incorporation of sustainable technologies, such as photovoltaic (PV) panels and electric vehicle charging points.

This project is a fantastic example of how Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments from local developments can be reinvested into community-driven initiatives, creating spaces that support connection, sustainability, and opportunity.

The project included a large single-storey extension, creating 1,991 square feet of new floor space. A spacious multi-function community hall now forms the heart of the ground floor, complete with dedicated storage, toilets, and a kitchen. In addition, two self-contained multi-function rooms have been created, each with their own facilities including storage and tea-making areas.

At the centre of the building, a new café bar, Longboats and Lattes, serves as a vibrant social focal point. The café features its own toilet facilities, and a stockroom located in the cellar. The first floor has been converted into three small office units, providing flexible workspaces for local businesses or community use. A community upcycling shop has also been established, further enhancing the building’s role as a local destination and hub for sustainability.

It’s been a privilege for PRP to support this project from concept through to completion, working closely with Bidwells and their client, Sprowston Town Council, to deliver a fantastic facility that truly meets the needs of the community.