AWARD WINNER
NORTH
NORFOLK
DISTRICT COUNCIL
Oddfellows Hall, Lifeboat Plain, Sheringham.
Conversion & Extension of Former Lifeboat Station to Community Facility.
Entrant:
Sheringham Plus
Community Partnership
The building in question was built in 1867
to house the first RNLI lifeboat to be
stationed in Sheringham. Originally a fairly
simple brick and flint structure, it lay in a
neglected state for many years prior to
the current project.
Now complete, the works have involved
the total refurbishment of the building to
provide two floors of disabled friendly
community facilities. Included in this was
the demolition of a 1950s lean-to which
obscured the front elevation, and its
replacement with a two-storey entrance
porch. The latter is heavily influenced by
the building's maritime past and now
provides a striking new focal feature,
particularly when viewed down Gun
Street. Original window openings have
also been reinstated, brick surrounds and
arches replaced, and the building
completely re-roofed and re-furbished.
Overall: The judges welcomed this project
as it has not only secured the immediate
future of this locally important building but
it has also significantly enhanced its
appearance and character and that of
Sheringham's Conservation Area.