A redevelopment project is set to begin at the Hewett Academy in Norwich to delivery improvements to existing buildings and provide additional accommodation.

Designed by LSI Architects, the major revamp of the secondary school is being funded by the Department of Education’s £1bn School Rebuilding Programme.

While the existing building is steeped in local history and celebrated for its 1950s architectural aesthetic, it has presented challenges in providing the facilities and space needed for a thriving learning environment.

And outdated infrastructure and accessibility limitations have hindered the academy’s ability to offer its students the best-possible learning experience.

The revamp plans include retention and refurbishment works to the locally-listed central range building, with its primary entrance and retained Walter Roy Theatre; and a two-storey extension added either side to provide new teaching and sport accommodation.

The existing pool building, which is regularly utilised by pupils and the community alike, will also see refurbishment works.

And a collection of smaller life-expired and vacant buildings along Hall Road will be demolished to improve the overall safety of the site.

The central clock tower, which is iconic to Norwich, will be retained, as will the modern aesthetic of the Crittall windows while feature brickwork has been proposed in select locations across the new extension to further celebrate the relationship between old and new.

The new sports extension will strongly reference the Eileen Ash sports building which already exists on site, in terms of both its materiality and colour.

The sports hall will remain available for community use, with a new visitors’ entrance being added to facilitate this.

Principal, Antony Little, said of the scheme: “The new build for Hewett Academy will be one that matches the ambition and aspirations of our students.

“This state-of-the-art school will be a fitting place to learn for local students and builds on the history and the heritage of the school.”

Work onsite is expected to commence shortly, with the project being delivered by main contractor, Kier Eastern, after Norwich City Council granted planning permission in September 2024.