Adam GrettonOne of Norfolk's most historic vacant buildings is set to get a new tenant next month as part of an arts project.The 12th century Becket's Chapel in Wymondham was made redundant in November when the town's library service moved to a new �2m building.Adam Gretton

One of Norfolk's most historic vacant buildings is set to get a new tenant next month as part of an arts project.

The 12th century Becket's Chapel in Wymondham was made redundant in November when the town's library service moved to a new �2m building.

But Wymondham Arts Forum's hopes of using the grade I listed building as an arts centre is set to be realised with a six month trial from Easter.

The Wymondham Old Grammar School Trustees, who own the chapel and former grammar school, are drawing up a short-term lease for the group that will enable a series of arts activities to take place in the historic building between April and October.

It comes after the arts forum first mooted the idea in 2005 after it emerged that the library service was moving out of the historic premises after 60 years.

John Wood, Wymondham Arts Forum chairman, said: 'We are really excited about the prospect of using Becket's Chapel for a summer season. It will raise the profile of the arts in town, and give us the opportunity to evaluate the building's potential before we decide whether we can consider longer-term arrangements.'

The arts group aims to use the chapel as a showcase for a wide range of contemporary art and work by local artists and craftspeople based in South Norfolk and the wider area. It also hopes to use it as a venue for small scale performances and other community events.

Peter Cook, clerk to the Wymondham Old Grammar School Trustees, said: 'The Trustees are very pleased to see the building continuing to be used for the benefit of the community. Wymondham Arts Forum will take on the building for a six month period, which will give everyone the chance to see if it has potential for longer term use in this new role.'