Expansion plan for Norwich University of Arts revealed

A model showing how Mary Chapman Court off Duke Street could be redeveloped. PHOTO: Dan Grimmer Archant

A new complex for just over 100 students, including a new lecture theatre and a cafe, could be built in Norwich city centre.

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Mary Chapman Court, which could be knocked down and replaced by new student flats. Pic: Archant. Mary Chapman Court, which could be knocked down and replaced by new student flats. Pic: Archant.

The Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) is close to submitting plans for Mary Chapman Court, off Duke Street.

There are currently flats for students there, but NUA, which is buying the site from Norwich City Council, wants to knock those down.

Hudson Architects has come up with proposals for a development ranging in height up to seven storeys.

City councillors were given a preview of the plans at a pre-applications meeting at City Hall today.

Anthony Hudson, director of Hudson Architects, said it would be the latest investment by NUA in the city centre, but said: “This is going to be the first new building NUA will personally put up and it is really exciting.

“There will be a lecture theatre for at least 300 people.

“The lecture theatre at NUA’s building further down Duke Street is just not big enough and doesn’t have the facilities.”

There would also be other teaching facilities, a cafe and accommodation for 100 NUA students.

The site was the location of ironworks Barnard, Bishops and Barnard from the mid 19th century and Mr Hudson said there were plans to incorporate some ironwork into the design in recognition of the former use.

Mr Hudson said he hoped an application would be lodged next month.

When asked when he hoped the scheme would be complete, if permission is granted, he said: “The view for us is that it only makes sense if we can get building complete for the beginning of the academic year.

“So we would like it to be 2020, but we know the vagaries of getting a building on site means it might be 2021.”

Part of the site includes a district heating complex, which serves homes in Colegate, Barnards Yard and Coslany Street.

And that means Norwich City Council will have to provide a replacement system to heat the council-owned homes.