Plans to turn a derelict tennis court into a thriving community space have been scrapped after a town council pulled the plug on the project over costs.

A scheme to redevelop a rundown section of Cromer’s North Lodge Park was given the green light by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) last year.

The plans, which had been years in the making, would have seen the abandoned tennis courts and a 1950s bandstand demolished to make way for a multi-use space for pop-up markets, events, and new public toilets.

But now Cromer Town Council, who submitted the application with the Friends of North Lodge Park, have pulled out of the plans, stating it is “unable to commit to the costs involved” in the project.

North Norfolk News: An artists' impression of what the revamped tennis court area of North Lodge Park in Cromer could have looked likeAn artists' impression of what the revamped tennis court area of North Lodge Park in Cromer could have looked like (Image: Friends of North Lodge Park)

The council said while it recognises the importance of a community hub and the need for public toilets at the park, it is no longer viable due to the cost and work required. 

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A Cromer Town Council spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed that we are unable to deliver this project knowing the need for toilets at this end of the town along with the facilities that a community hub would offer, but feel at this point in time we are unable to commit to the costs involved in the infrastructure and construction of this facility.

“We understand that this is disappointing to the various groups we were working with and we wish them well with their future endeavours."

North Norfolk News: The derelict tennis courts at North Lodge Park in CromerThe derelict tennis courts at North Lodge Park in Cromer (Image: ALLY McGILVRAY)

The tennis courts on the 0.35-acre site have been unused for more than two decades.

Plans for the flexible community facility also included a community shed, a horticultural hub and space for growing plants. 

The plans were approved in September last year.

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