City College staff today said a cheerful goodbye to the oldest building on its campus as demolition work on saw-toothed workshops got underway.
The building at the back of the college was built in 1941, and originally used by the-then Norwich City College and Art School's Technical College.
But far from being sentimental about its destruction, former college governor Barbara Hacker, chair of the college's estates committee from 2002 to 2012, was positively gleeful to see the back of it.
Speaking as the diggers moved in this afternoon, she said: 'Why it took us so long to get rid of it I don't know. It was a pain. The only good thing about it was that the light was good for art.
'They used to come in in woollies and cardigans and wearing gloves. It was not fit for purpose, but it will be now.'
She added she was amazed students had been able to produce such beautiful work in such a 'ghastly' building.
The old workshops will be replaced by a 590sq m single-storey building which will provide a specialist learning and support facility for students with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
The upgrade follows a bid for a £2.5m grant from the Education Funding Agency, through Norfolk County Council.
The development will include a 168sq m outdoor space next to the new building for recreational and teaching activity attached to the centre, due to be completed by December 2014.
The college will also gain what it described as 'an open green heart to the campus' – a space that will be used to host market stalls from student-led enterprises.
College principal Corrienne Peasgood said: 'The 1940s workshops, and the distinctive umbrella which connected them to the Norfolk Building for 16 years, will evoke many memories of the college for students and staff, past and present. There is a real sense of nostalgia as we say goodbye to these familiar landmarks on our campus.
'There is also a great deal of excitement about the transformation that is taking place across the college. The current programme of building improvements will enable City College Norwich to provide a modern environment and the specialist facilities to support 21st century teaching and learning for current and future generations of students.'
What are your memories of City College's oldest building? Email martin.george@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here