Norwich's Blueberry House could be bulldozed for flats
The pub and music venue is almost 200 years old
A Norwich pub and music venue which is nearly 200 years old could be bulldozed to make way for 15 flats.
The scheme to demolish the former Blueberry Music House in Cowgate, was originally approved in 2021 but work has since stalled.
This permission has now expired as the developer was unable to meet the requirement to provide three units of affordable housing, stating it was “no longer viable”.
Rising construction costs and charges for water pollution mitigation, known as nutrient neutrality, have been blamed for pushing up the price of the building work.
Planners have recommended the scheme go ahead, provided the developer agrees to a number of legal requirements, which include conducting a review of whether offering affordable housing is a viable option at a later date.
Payments for nutrient neutrality credits – a scheme which allows developers to fund nature improvements to offset any harm from house building – must also be made.
Councillors will meet on Thursday to make a decision on the scheme.
The Blueberry Music House was once a thriving music venue where aspiring artists from Norwich and beyond were given the opportunity to take to the stage.
But the building’s history can be traced back to 1836, when it served punters as St Pauls Tavern.
In 1996, it became the Blueberry and it went on to become established as a haven for music lovers.
After more than two decades, the venue closed its doors in 2019 and the building went on to fall into disrepair, with boarded-up windows covered in graffiti.
Many regular customers mourned its loss at the time, stating it was one of their favourite places to go to see upcoming local bands.