Norwich University of the Arts has completed the purchase of a prominent city-centre building to house its expanding architecture course and a media studio space.

Designed by renowned Norwich architect Edward Boardman, who also designed the Norwich and Norfolk Hospital, in 1879, it will be refurbished to accommodate NUA's expanding architecture course as well as media studio space.

Professor John Last, NUA vice-chancellor, said: 'This is an important acquisition for the University and a milestone in the development of the School of Architecture.

'Boardman House is a grade II listed building of great character and prominence in the city and it is particularly fitting that a building designed by and named after one of Norfolk's most famous architects should be used in the teaching of a new generation of architects.

'Originally built to house a sunday school for the United Reform Church, it is also appropriate that the use of Boardman House is returned to education.'

Boardman House will be refurbished and restored to its original grandeur by Hudson Architects who have worked on a series of projects on NUA's campus including a digital media centre, photography building and most recently designs for a incubator unit for digital businesses and new art gallery.

It is planned that the new School of Architecture will open in 2015 as part of the University's 170th anniversary celebrations.