A new community hub boasting a cafe, art club, tattoo studio and wellbeing clinic is preparing to open on the coast.
The Vault officially opens on Saturday, March 9, in the renovated Victorian bank building on Gorleston High Street.
Jackson Harmer, founder and owner, said: "I am proud and thrilled to share The Vault with the community.
“This dynamic space has long been a dream of mine, a place where creativity and community converge.”
He said the business’ mission is to provide a platform for local talent to shine and to empower the next generation of artists, creators and young people in the community.
At the official opening, The Vault will welcome Darby, who recently sang on ITV's Walk The Line show with Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and received a standing ovation from judges.
There will be a fundraising raffle with more than £3,000 worth of prizes donated by local businesses including homemade cakes from Karen’s Bakes.
The Vault hopes to serve as a hub for artistic and cultural activities, with art clubs featuring masterclasses with industry experts to a podcast studio to give young people a voice and music studios providing tuition and rehearsal space.
The venue will also house Cafe Vault, an urban coffee bar serving various drinks and artisan coffee. There are also plans to offer accredited training and mentoring opportunities for local young people.
In collaboration with educational institutions like East Coast College and East Norfolk College, Charter High School, John Grant School and Cliff Park High School, Mr Harmer has worked with more than 300 young artists through projects such as Deck the Vault.
The premises will also be home to Minds of All Kinds, a group for neurodiverse young people and their carers and parents to gain support and friendship. The group was set up by Sophie Smith, Mr Harmer’s partner, who has two children with such conditions.
Ms Smith said there was a lack of support locally for SEN (special educational needs) children and wanted to create a safe space for them to gain different experiences and develop new interests.
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She said: “Neurodiverse conditions such as autism and ADHD can often be a superpower, and through Minds of all Kinds, we would love to help children to tap into their talents, gain new interests and skills and make friends.
“Parents with SEN children can often feel isolated or frustrated with a lack of advice and support. Minds of All Kinds at The Vault is a place where they can make friends, chat, and gain support and friendship.
“You are not alone. Please do pop along and have a cuppa. You can find more information on our Facebook page,” Ms Smith said.
The Vault will also be home to welcome Ink Asylum The Collective, a renowned tattoo studio, and The Wellbeing Clinic, which offers aesthetic treatments.
Mr Harmer said: “Please do come and join us on Saturday. We have a packed day to celebrate our community and local creativity.
"With plans for community events, music masterclasses, and youth engagement programs, The Vault is poised to become a vibrant creative hotspot in Gorleston.
“We are excited for the future and are excited for the positive impact that I know we will make on young people in the area. Watch this space.”
For more information and updates on The Vault's opening events and programs, visit their Facebook page, The Vault Gorleston.
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