A stunning piece of Norwich's heritage has been preserved as part of a project to create a new photography hub for the city's art college.

Norwich University College of the Arts has officially opened the East Garth Photography Building in the former medieval Friary close to St Andrew's Hall.

Considered as one of the best surviving and most complete examples of its kind in the country, the renovation of the building required scheduled monument consent and was carried out in consultation with English Heritage.

The project, which involved creating studios, digital darkrooms and teaching spaces, has been praised for giving the Friary a new use.

Greg Luton, regional director of English Heritage, said: 'The East Garth was in need of conservation and it was important to find a use for the building which protected its medieval elements while allowing it to be fully used.

'The scheme has, in our view, been very successful and brings together innovative and modern design with sensitive conservation and traditional materials.'

The East Garth will now be used by students on the art college's photography degree course and has been kitted out with the same kind of equipment used by professional photographers.

The Friary is the latest of Norwich's historic buildings to be given a new life by NUCA, which hopes to gain university status.

Do you have an education story? Contact Victoria Leggett on 01603 772468 or email victoria.leggett@archant.co.uk.