Commercial team instructed to sell landmark historic library building

Our Commercial experts have been instructed to sell a landmark Norwich building which once housed one of the oldest subscription libraries in the country.

The Grade II listed library building, 4a, Guildhall Hill, most recently used as a restaurant until the business closed in 2019, is now for sale for a price on application.

The building, owned by Norwich City Council, housed a subscription library dating to 1784. Originally housed in St Andrew’s Hall, the library moved to Guildhall Hill in 1837.

The library closed in 1976 and some books were presented to Norwich School.

Anna Smith, Commercial Surveyor, based in our Norwich office, said: “This offers a unique opportunity to buy a grand Norwich landmark.

“We are in the early stages of offering the freehold for sale but we have received interest from an educational facility and a local restaurateur.”

Inside the historic building

This offers a unique opportunity to buy a grand Norwich landmark."

Anna Smith, Commercial Surveyor, Norwich.

Paul Kendrick, Portfolio Holder for Non-Housing and Asset Management, Norwich City Council, said: “The city council regularly reviews its commercial properties in order to maintain a well-balanced portfolio and provide opportunities for businesses in Norwich.

"This property in Guildhall Hill offers great potential for an investor or owner occupier to deliver something new and exciting in the heart of the city.

“Norwich has a rich heritage, including a large number of listed buildings and we look forward to finding out what’s next for this historic property.”

The building offers a large open plan ground floor with a galleried first floor. It has an attractive interior with original library bookcases and offers a total of 5,482 sqft.

See details here

For more information, please contact Anna Smith, Commercial Surveyor, Norwich on 01603 629871.