First look at Hewett Academy school redevelopment plans

The Hewett Academy in Norwich was among six schools across the county to be earmarked for multi-million-pound rebuilds by the government in 2022. 

New plans have revealed a first look at the future of the academy, complete with new classrooms, a refurbished swimming pool and a new sports hall.

The proposals would see the demolition of the eastern and western teaching wings and music block, along with four derelict buildings off Hall Road due to their poor condition and fears they will be subject to vandalism. 

The proposed new layout of the school (Image: LSI Architects)A planning report states that several of the buildings currently pose "a potential health and safety risk to students" due to decay and rot, and that refurbishment is not a viable option. 

The proposals outline the construction of new teaching and administrative facilities, a sports hall that would be accessible to the general public, and the refurbishment of the main Hewett Building, including the Walter Roy Theatre. 

Four new sports pitches are also included in the plans. 

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If Norwich City Council grants full planning permission for the project, then construction could begin as soon as this summer and is expected to take until spring 2027 to complete.

The Hewett Academy will remain open throughout the process, including demolition works. 

The interior of the new sports hall (Image: LSI Architects)The school in Cecil Road dates back to the 1950s when it originally consisted of three separate sites which were later merged into one in 1970.

It was designed by award-winning architect David Percival, who was responsible for a number of other landmark buildings in the city, including the now-demolished St Augustine's swimming pool and the central library, which burned down in 1994.

As well as the Academy, the site provides facilities used by the Jane Austin College and offices used by the Inspiration Trust.