Norwich: City College's New Building

The new state-of-the-art college building has just been granted planning permission to make developments in the Creative and Performing Arts area.

The new arts building will be situated at the Southern end of the College’s main Ipswich Road campus, on the site of the former West Lodge accommodation block.

The new creative arts building will support 3 purpose-built floors for:

· Performing arts rehearsal spaces, for dance, acting, and musical theatre;

· The digital arts, including interactive media, graphics, animation, media editing suites, a TV studio and music rehearsal and recording    studios; and

· Traditional art and design, fashion and textiles and cultural heritage/craft based programmes.

In addition to benefiting the College’s students, the new facility will be open to members of the local community to enjoy as a public exhibition space for shows of students’ work.     

The College will retain its 250-seat theatre in the Norfolk Building, which was recently re-launched under the new name of 'Platform'.  This will remain as the venue for public performances of music, dance, acting and musical theatre shows.

This upgrade has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Skills Funding Agency.

Dick Palmer, Principal, City College Norwich, said:

“This is fantastic news for current and future students training in the creative and performing arts at City College Norwich.  The new building will provide an inspiring, modern new environment to prepare students for the many career opportunities available to them in the creative and cultural sector. We are delighted that the plans have been well received by our residential neighbours as well as by students, staff and our employer partners.  This impressive new building will further enhance Norfolk’s reputation as a key hub for creative and cultural skills, whilst providing a great new space for public exhibitions of students’ work.”