Ocean Room Gorleston top-bidder faces questions over past.

The director of a construction firm tipped to be the highest bidder for a coastal location previously controlled a company that failed after owing £1.7 million.

Bespoke Construction Group, based in King’s Lynn, is considered to be the front-runner for purchasing the Ocean Room in Gorleston from Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC).

However, the revelation has aroused anxiety because director Stuart Deadman’s last business went bankrupt after owing large sums of money.

Bespoke Norfolk Ltd’s offices in Hunstanton, prior to its liquidation.

Bespoke Norfolk Ltd was liquidated in May 2020, with Mr Deadman and colleague Ben Day blaming the pandemic for driving up the cost of building supplies.

Liquidator McTear Williams and Wood revealed that after paying its 30 employees, the construction firm had only £10,000 in assets to cover £1.679 million in debt owed to more than 100 creditors.

Norfolk Ltd owes £680,000 to tradespeople, £55,000 to workers, and £375,000 to another company owned by Mr Day and Mr Deadman.

HMRC was the largest creditor, owed £387,000 for the 2019/20 tax year.

The Ocean Room in Gorleston is available for sale. (Image by Arnold Keys) However, 11 days before the firm was liquidated, Mr Deadman and Mr Day became directors and proprietors of a second company, Bespoke Norfolk Group Ltd.

The company is still registered at Companies House, and it is believed to trade publicly under the name Bespoke Construction Group. Mr Day has resigned as a director.

People who owed money reported that the corporation disregarded phone calls and emails. ‘Phoenixing’ refers to the process of folding a corporation and then forming a new, similar one.

Several members of the public have expressed worry about Mr Deadman’s business experience after it was disclosed that BCG had been chosen as the top bidder for the Ocean Room.

Labour sources are said to be asking the Conservative cabinet for assurances that GYBC is conducting due diligence.

Mr Deadman has recognised previous criticism, but claims his company has worked hard to restore ties.

Boogie nights in the Ocean Room in 2003. (Image: Steve Parsons). He stated, “This was an emotionally and financially difficult time for everyone involved.”

“However, I am now sure that the hard effort in restoring relationships has demonstrated our dedication to the local community.

“We returned to damaged sites and repaired connections with contractors and traders who still work with us today. Many of those employees still work with us now.”

Mr Deadman noted that the experience was a “valuable learning opportunity” and that the company is now in a strong and secure financial position, delivering projects throughout East Anglia.

Bespoke Construction Group (BCG) is collaborating with architects Feilden + Mawson to create “a new and exciting space for the local community”.

The Ocean Room in 2016. (Image: Archant Library) However, further details are being kept secret until negotiations with the council continue. A spokesman for BCG stated, “Feilden+Mawson is committed to revitalising this beloved Art Deco landmark.

“The project is about more than just construction; it is about establishing a dynamic destination that honours the building’s history while generating new tourism and job possibilities in Gorleston.

A representative for Great Yarmouth Borough Council has stated that it would be “inappropriate” to comment further on the sale, but that the process is being carried out with “due diligence”.

A club night at the Ocean Room in 2018. (Image: Julian Nichols). A spokesman added, “The council wants to make sure the site is brought back into use promptly to benefit the community, and that any regeneration is sustainable, robust, cost-effective, and provides the best value for council taxpayers.

“The Ocean Room has been idle for two years and requires extensive repair work, including a new roof and considerable structural work, yet doing nothing and allowing it to degrade is simply not an option.

“We want the site to have a viable future, and after any sale, there will be additional public consultation during the planning process.” “As you can imagine, the council can’t go into detail about financial negotiations but, rest assured, when there are updates we will share them.”

 

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