Secondary school set for major rebuild programme

The Hewett Academy was one of six schools chosen by the government to be rebuilt

A school will see some of its main buildings demolished under redevelopment plans.

Hewett Academy in Norwich was among six schools chosen by the government in 2022 to undergo major rebuild programmes.

The proposals would see the demolition of the eastern and western teaching wings and music block, along with four derelict buildings off Hall Road, due to their poor condition and fears they would be subject to vandalism.

A planning report said several of the buildings posed “a potential health and safety risk to students” due to decay and rot, and that refurbishment was not a viable option.

Within the plans, the school would receive new teaching and administrative facilities, a sports hall with public access, as well as the refurbishment of the main Hewett building - including the Walter Roy Theatre.

Four new sports pitches are also included in the plans.

The school, in Cecil Road, dates back to the 1950s when it originally consisted of three separate sites, which were later merged into one in 1970.

It was designed by the award-winning architect David Percival, who was responsible for a number of other landmark buildings in the city, including the now-demolished St Augustine’s swimming pool and the central library, which burned down in 1994.

Formerly the Hewett School, it converted to academy status in 2015.

Rebuild work could begin in the summer and be completed by early 2027, pending full planning permission.