Cromer's RNLI Museum to stay open over summer
Earlier this year the RNLI announced it would be ending its lease of the building on the seafront
A museum in Cromer dedicated to a legendary lifeboatman is to stay open for longer despite fears it would shut.
Earlier this year the RNLI announced it would be ending its lease at the under-threat Rocket House on Cromer’s seafront in July.
This is due to the building having chronic damp problems caused by storm surge flooding, which are reportedly causing a risk to the health of the museum’s staff and damaging artefacts.
But at a North Norfolk District Council cabinet meeting, a short-term lease arrangement was approved unanimously, which will allow the museum to stay open until October 31, 2024.
This will enable it to operate over the peak summer months, which comes as a boost to Cromer’s tourism sector.
The problems at Rocket House have become a point of controversy in recent weeks, after critics called the building a “monumental mistake” and questioned whether the £1m repair bill was a worthwhile investment.
At a recent meeting, leader Tim Adams defended the decision, arguing that the Rocket House brings huge benefits to the town, serving as an important destination while also providing greater accessibility to the seafront through its lift.