A not-for-profit social enterprise is struggling to find a home to support people with learning disabilities after a sinkhole condemned its previous property.  

Norfolk County Council was working to get the Ipswich Road site up and running again as it is used by multiple organisations that offer support and education for both disabled and elderly people.  

However, after further investigation, the council has decided to permanently close the hub.

Norwich Evening News: They have found premises to bake in They have found premises to bake in (Image: Newsquest)

Equal Brewkery teaches people with learning disabilities how to bake and brew beer.  

Founder, Bill Russell, said: “We have found somewhere provisionally where we can bake thanks to the owner of Rainbow Wholefoods who generously offered a place upstairs, however, we have still not found anywhere to brew.  

“We are looking for a space the size of a domestic garage for that purpose.” 

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Norwich Evening News: Since closing the hub has been closed permanently due to safety concerns Since closing the hub has been closed permanently due to safety concerns (Image: Denise Bradley)

Bill has been in touch with City College Norwich but is yet to get a response and has also contacted Norwich Historic Churches Trust, which has placed Equal Brewekery on a waiting list.  

The county council is looking for alternative day service premises in Norwich following the closure.  

Day services at the site, run by Independence Matters, were largely relocated to the company’s hub in Sprowston in May. 

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Norwich Evening News: The social enterprise is yet to find somewhere to brew The social enterprise is yet to find somewhere to brew (Image: Newsquest)

Engineers have told the council that they cannot guarantee that there won’t be further subsidence. 

Cllr Alison Thomas, cabinet member for adult social care at the county council, said: “I know those who use services at Ipswich Road will be sad to see it close, but their safety and wellbeing has to be our first priority and unfortunately the building just isn’t safe. 

Norwich Evening News: The hub was closed temporarily when a sink hole was discovered The hub was closed temporarily when a sink hole was discovered (Image: Denise Bradley)

“We have provided temporary alternative services for the last few weeks and will now work with all of those affected to make longer term plans.

"We really appreciate their patience and understanding.” 

Norwich Evening News: Equal Brewkery works with disabled people to give them skills in baking and brewing Equal Brewkery works with disabled people to give them skills in baking and brewing (Image: Equal Brewkery)