Crowdfunder launched to buy former Gatehouse pub in Marlpit

But time is also running out before the Gatehouse in Marlpit loses its asset of community value status, meaning it will hit the open market.

To prevent its purchase by a private buyer or chain, the Gatehouse Community Hub has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help raise the £50,000 needed for the deposit. 

The Gatehouse closed last year and has remained closed since (Image: Gatehouse Community Hub) If successful, ownership and management of the pub would be divided between locals, with oversight from organisations like the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Plunkett Foundation, a national charity which specialises in community-owned businesses.

Lucy Galvin, chair of the group, said: "Many people have stepped in and are keen to help.

"There is a very active steering group and anyone interested is warmly welcome to get involved in saving this wonderful building and opening it as a community space again.

A community group chaired by Lucy Galvin is attempting to buy it before it can be sold on (Image: Gatehouse Community Hub) "We've already secured some funding and received incredible support from local organisations."

The crowdfunding campaign has raised £1,530 in just a few days, building hopes the goal can be achieved before the November 4 deadline. 

Lucy added: "Please donate if you can as every penny raised will help."

The group needs to raise £50,000 before a November deadline (Image: Gatehouse Community Hub) The grade-II listed Gatehouse was built in 1935 and is almost an exact copy of the Artichoke pub in Magdalen Road. It was closed early last year when its former owner died.

In its decision to give it an asset of community value status, Norwich City Council said: "There was a time in the recent past when the use of the building furthered the social wellbeing or interests of the local community.

"It is realistic to think that there is a time in the next five years when it could further the community again."