Huge new building given go-ahead for Norwich Research Park

The Institute of Food Research at Norwich Research Park was demolished in 2014 but now, 10 years later, it is set to be replaced by three buildings including a huge modern office block and laboratory.

The site, between Colney Lane and Watton Road, secured millions of pounds of funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in 2023, which will be released over the next five years.

The building will be 'bold' with 'contrasting materials' (Image: Bidwells via South Norfolk District Council)

Further details for one of the buildings have now been approved by the planning committee of South Norfolk Council, with building work set to start imminently.

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According to the planning statement compiled by Bidwells, the building will "typically comprise the use of bold forms and simple but contrasting materials".

The building will have floor space measuring up to 5,000sqm across four floors, which will be used as offices or laboratories.

The research park has been awarded £163.9m worth of funding to revamp the site (Image: Norwich Research Park)

There will be nearly 70 parking spaces and cycle spaces.

The block will also be a 'grow-on' building that will enable new businesses emerging from the research findings conducted on the Park to grow and remain on the campus.

The applicant has three years to start work.