NR3 folk are coming together to try and prevent the sale of a disused city school site so that it can be turned into a community hub.  

Angel Road Junior was forced to close in July 2021 after two incidents in the same month when debris fell from the ceiling. 

Following this, children from the junior school had to move to the infant school just over the road.  

Norwich Evening News: The school was closed in July 2021 following debris falling from the ceiling The school was closed in July 2021 following debris falling from the ceiling (Image: Newsquest)

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But with the prospect of the building and the land being sold, people living nearby are exploring the possibility of saving it.  

Julie Brociek-Colton, Labour councillor for Sewell ward had been involved with the school since 2000 as her daughters went there, sitting as a governor and helping fundraise on the PTA, said: “We now know that the site has been given back to Norfolk County Council, and the possibility for this to stay as a school is gone.  

“But I know the importance of this site and keeping it in the heart of the community.” 

Norwich Evening News: Julie Brociek-Colton Labour councillor for Sewell Ward Julie Brociek-Colton Labour councillor for Sewell Ward (Image: Julie Brociek-Coulton)

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The building is more than 100 years old, with the county council saying in March that it was working with the Evolution Academy Trust, which has secured funding to develop the schools on one site.

Green councillor for Sewell, Gillian Francis said: “Angel Road is in an area where many families and individuals are from minority groups, living on low incomes, or looking for local affordable opportunities to develop their skills, networks and fitness.  

Norwich Evening News: Gillian Francis, Green Party Councillor for Sewell Ward Gillian Francis, Green Party Councillor for Sewell Ward (Image: Gillian Francis)

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“The shared interests, expertise, skills, resources and good practice could establish a long-term centre for community-based projects and growth.  

“This project is important to me because every day I walk past this beautiful green space, that could be used to enrich the lives of our residents, and which is already a fabulous arrangement of buildings that could become home to a thriving and prosperous long-term venture."

The Norwich Green Party is asking people to take part in an online survey about the site via its website and social media channels.

John Fisher, the Conservative-controlled county council's cabinet member for children’s services, has previously said: "We would always consider school land to be reused for education purposes first, but it is possible the site could be put to an alternative use or put forward for sale."