Adam GrettonThe regeneration of an entertainments venue in south Norfolk will provide a shot in the arm for struggling retailers, its new manager said yesterday .The start of a new decade marked a new era for the Corn Hall in Diss when a charitable trust took over the running of the landmark building.Adam Gretton

The regeneration of an entertainments venue in south Norfolk will provide a shot in the arm for struggling retailers, its new manager said yesterday .

The start of a new decade marked a new era for the Corn Hall in Diss when a charitable trust took over the running of the landmark building.

The new manager of the 19th century venue yesterday said she hoped to establish a 'cultural hub' for the Waveney valley and provide a boost to local businesses in the town.

A box office was opened at the Old Stables next to the Corn Hall this week promoting a new programme of events for the facility in St Nicholas Street.

Manager Angela Sykes said the new Friends of Diss Corn Hall box office would help generate more footfall and help traders in the area.

'I think it will help this part of town. They [local traders] are struggling and I think if we can help regenerate this part of town it will help us, help businesses, and help Diss in general,' she said.

The new use for the Old Stables, which will host art and photography exhibitions, comes after the owners of nearby Tigertail and Blue Moon last month announced January closing down sales.

Ms Sykes, who has a background in publishing, marketing and events management, said excitement was building ahead of the start of the new programme, which will see the Corn Hall hosting BBC Radio 4's Any Questions? on February 19.

The venue will welcome the Red Card Comedy Club on February 18 and an evening of music from The BBs, Vanilla Kick, and Ed Sheeran on February 20 to celebrate the new management by the friends group.

'There has been so much good will and enthusiasm out there and people have responded well to the programme we have put together and it seems to have hit the right notes.'

'It should be a cultural hub that should be for the whole community. As we get into the programme we will try and broaden it out and for younger age groups,' said Ms Sykes.

The long-term vision for the building, which is owned by Diss Town Council, is to complete a major refurbishment to bring the Corn Hall into the 21st century.

But Ms Sykes said the facility was already an 'amazing' space for performances and improvements to the acoustics should take place by the end of March.

contact the Corn Hall on 01379 652241 or visit www.disscornhall.co.uk.