People are being given the chance to have their say over a new development for the Norwich University of the Arts (NUA).

The university is looking to demolish existing accommodation in Mary Chapman Court, off Duke Street, and to replace it with new, purpose-built accommodation for a hundred NUA students.

The development would also feature a new lecture theatre and a cafe, with improved public access to the site.

A planning application is due to be lodged with Norwich City Council later in the year, but NUA and Hudson Architects are keen to get feedback ahead of that submission.

A public consultation will take place at NUA's Duke Street Lecture Theatre from 2pm until 6pm on Thursday, where people will be able to look at initial sketches, speak to those behind the scheme and give their views about the scheme.

The site was the location of ironworks Barnard, Bishops and Barnard from the mid 19th century and the architects are exploring incorporating some ironwork into the design, in recognition of the former use.

City councillors were given a preview of the plans at a recent pre-applications meeting at City Hall yesterday.

Anthony Hudson, director of Hudson Architects, said it would be the latest investment by NUA in the city centre, but said: 'This is going to be the first new building NUA will personally put up and it is really exciting.

'There will be a lecture theatre for at least 300 people. The lecture theatre at NUA's building further down Duke Street is just not big enough and doesn't have the facilities.'

When asked when he hoped the scheme would be complete, if permission is granted, he said: 'The view for us is that it only makes sense if we can get building complete for the beginning of the academic year.

'So we would like it to be 2020, but we know the vagaries of getting a building on site means it might be 2021.'

Part of the site includes a district heating complex, which serves homes in Colegate, Barnards Yard and Coslany Street, so Norwich City Council will have to provide a replacement system.