King's Lynn Green Quay forced to close by financial problems
A former Tudor warehouse in Norfolk which 12 years ago was transformed with a £4.5m grant into a visitor centre and cafe has closed.
The Green Quay in King's Lynn has shut for the final time because of financial difficulties.
It had held permanent displays about the Fens and hosted talks and community events.
The charitable trust which runs The Green Quay it said it hoped it could continue in a different form in 2013.
Centre manager Michael Dennis said: "People are absolutely amazed that the decision has been made to close, because they say it's always busy when they come in.
"They cannot believe they are going to lose this lovely old building by the riverside, in such a prime position.
"It's very very sad, because the work we've put into it to improve it seems like it's going to all disappear today."
The Green Quay, which looks out on to the River Great Ouse on South Quay, had been unable to secure grant aid and lost funding from the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk three years ago.
A statement on The Green Quay website said the "national economic and weather conditions have proved very difficult".