The fire broke out at the Talk on Oak Street where smoke could be seen billowing from the roof on Thursday (April 2) evening.

The Talk was a much-loved nightclub in Norwich for many years (Image: Newsquest)

Police cordoned off the road near the abandoned building and neighbours were urged by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service to close their windows and doors.

Firefighters worked for hours to tackle the blaze and it has been confirmed there were no casualties.

A large fire broke out in a former club (Image: Jamie Walker)

At around 10.15pm after the fire had been brought under control, people living near the site were told they could reopen their windows and doors.

The cordon remained in place overnight but has since been lifted and police are appealing to the public for any information they may have over the incident.

The firefighters worked well into the night to tackle the blaze (Image: Jamie Walker)

A police spokeswoman said: "A police cordon was in place overnight but has since been lifted. The incident is being treated as arson and enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch, quoting crime reference 36/23265/26."

Meanwhile, officers for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service say their investigation is still ongoing and no cause has been determined yet.

The venue closed down in 2022, after entertaining crowds with live music in the city for 65 years.

It first opened as the Industrial Club in 1954 and later become the Talk in around 2007.

It was formerly named 'Talk of East Anglia' (Image: Newsquest)

In 2025, plans were put forward by Rob Harrison for Hemingford Group Ltd to convert the building into one fit for "a trade counter-style commercial occupier".

As part of his plans, Mr Harrison also proposed demolishing part of the main club as well as the demolition of an additional outbuilding, which had been previously used for food preparation.

Norwich City Council, who considered the plans, gave them the green light four months later and Mr Harrison has three years to carry out the plans before his planning permission expires.

© Eastern Daily Press