After three-and-a-half years of sitting unused, work is finally starting to turn a ramshackle building into a new community hub.

Work to overhaul the former Viking pub in Tills Road, which later became the Royal Bengal Indian restaurant, will start inside the 15,000sqft venue this week.

A revised site plan was submitted after Norfolk County Council said the original plans encroached on the highways boundary, meaning outside work will have to wait.

Norwich Evening News: An example of the proposed overhaul (Image: Sprowston Town Council)An example of the proposed overhaul (Image: Sprowston Town Council) (Image: Sprowston Town Council)

But after a consultation with locals on what should happen to the building in January 2022 and a subsequent planning application from Sprowston Town Council, the time has come for work to start.

Bill Couzens, chairman of the town council, said: "Prior to commencement of full building works, we're able to strip out the inside of the building.

"This will involve removing the interior décor, bar area, wall panels and false ceilings as well as kitchen equipment and flooring.

Norwich Evening News: Bill Couzens, chairman of Sprowston Town Council (Image: Bill Couzens)Bill Couzens, chairman of Sprowston Town Council (Image: Bill Couzens) (Image: Bill Couzens)

Read More: Revamp details of derelict former Viking pub in Sprowston

"It's stood idle for several years so there's quite a few bits which need sorting.

"Because it's been left in a bit of state there's a lot of work which needs doing and there's still some original features from when it was a pub, like a goods lift which will need to come out because of how old it is."

The town council, which bought the building in May 2021, is looking forward to using the space once again.

Norwich Evening News: Inside the former pub and restaurant, which will begin its clear out this week (Image: Newsquest)Inside the former pub and restaurant, which will begin its clear out this week (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Couzens added: "We're very excited to get to work on it.

"The plan is for it to become a community centre, with several smaller rooms for hire, and an area of land we'll build the hall on.

"We're also hoping to install solar panels on the roof, electric vehicle charging ports and with the help from the locals, a community café so people have a nice place they can meet."

Norwich Evening News: The Viking Pub closed in 2007 before it was turned into the Royal Bengal Indian restaurant in 2010 (Image: Newsquest)The Viking Pub closed in 2007 before it was turned into the Royal Bengal Indian restaurant in 2010 (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)