A former tourist information centre in Cromer could soon be turned into a dental surgery, as part of North Norfolk District Council’s efforts to address both budget concerns and local healthcare needs.
The council closed the Cromer centre, located on Louden Road, in January to save approximately £170,000 annually. Since then, eight different proposals have been submitted for the future use of the building. Ideas included a real ale pub, a café, and a bakery.
However, council officers are now recommending that the lease be awarded to a dental practice. Officials say this option offers the strongest financial return while also bringing “wider social and economic” benefits to the area.
Norfolk has long faced a shortage of dental professionals. Health Secretary Wes Streeting previously called the county “the Sahara of dental deserts.” He noted that Norfolk and Waveney have just 36 dentists for every 100,000 people—far below the national average of 53.
Last year, Streeting said he planned to meet with local MPs to discuss the creation of a dental school at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. Advocates believe the school could help improve dentist numbers in the region, as some students might choose to stay after graduating. But progress on the initiative has stalled due to a lack of government funding.
The identity of the dentist behind the bid for the Cromer site has not been disclosed. According to a council report, their offer presents the “best financial consideration” among all bids received. If the recommendation is not approved, councillors will need to re-evaluate the remaining proposals.
The Cromer visitor centre will officially close on Wednesday. A final decision on its future use is expected at a council meeting on 6 May.
