North Norfolk District Council has agreed to carry out investigative work to see what can be done about a seafront museum and cafe’s persistent problems with dampness. 

The Rocket House, which sits next to the beach at the end of Cromer's Esplanade, is less than 20 years old but requires substantial repairs due to its frame having become heavily corroded. 

It is owned by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) which last year agreed to put £1m into a budget for restoring the building, which is leased to a café and an RNLI museum. 

At a meeting on Monday, the authority’s cabinet agreed to commission a detailed investigation of the cause of dampness in the property, as well as establish what options there are for repairs and consider the costs. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Rocket House Café and Lifeboat Museum at Cromer. The Rocket House Café and Lifeboat Museum at Cromer. (Image: DENISE BRADLEY)

The work is expected to be carried out in two phases, with the first focusing on the public toilets and stairs, to minimise disruption on tenants.   

The second stage would examine the museum.  

Tim Adams, leader of the council, said: “There’s been quite a lot of noise around this subject, but we really need to just work out what is going on with the building before any further considerations are made. 

“That is the simple and logical thing to do next.”  

Investigation work should start by the end of January. 

Construction of Rocket House started in 2005 and the building has survived two storm surges - one in 2007 and again in 2013.  

It has already undergone routine maintenance to its lift and toilets.  

As part of NNDC's 2030 net zero aims, further work is expected to take place at Rocket House to improve both its energy and thermal efficiency. 

Officials have also started investigating what additional funding is available, including from the National Lottery.