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A red-brick building with white accents and a domed roof, featuring "Norwich University of the Arts" on a banner. The facade has large windows and a black sign near the entrance. The building is surrounded by a metal fence.
Black and white image of a historic building with ornate architecture, featuring large arched windows and detailed stonework. A few people walk along the sidewalk near a parked car in front of the building.
A large, historic brick building with arched windows and stone accents, located on a street corner. A bare tree stands nearby. Two green doors are visible, and parking signs are placed along the sidewalk under a partly cloudy sky.

Bank Plain

Norwich University of the Arts’ acquisition of 20 Bank Plain has provided the opportunity to establish a dedicated research hub, providing a pioneering environment for thinking, making, showing, and discussing critical creativity under one roof.

This former bank is being transformed into a cutting-edge space for thinking, making, showcasing and debating the creative arts. Once complete, this unique project in UK higher education will serve as a dynamic hub, bringing together students, staff, alumni, external partners and the wider community to innovate and collaborate in new ways.

A Historic Landmark at the Top of Prince of Wales Road

This Grade II listed building, built as Barclays Bank in 1926, holds a significant place in Norwich’s rich history. Previously home to Gurney’s Bank from 1775, it has also had life as the OPEN Youth Trust and a popular music venue, cementing its role as a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Norwich.

Black and white image of a historic building with ornate architecture, featuring large arched windows and detailed stonework. A few people walk along the sidewalk near a parked car in front of the building.

A large, historic brick building with arched windows and stone accents, located on a street corner. A bare tree stands nearby. Two green doors are visible, and parking signs are placed along the sidewalk under a partly cloudy sky.

A red-brick building with white accents and a domed roof, featuring "Norwich University of the Arts" on a banner. The facade has large windows and a black sign near the entrance. The building is surrounded by a metal fence.

 

Phase 1

Preserving History

Complete

The initial phase of the project is now complete, bringing to life a range of new work and meeting spaces for creative and research activity. Care has been taken to ensure no changes were made to the internal or external fabric of the building, preserving its historic integrity while making it functional for the University’s needs.

Phase 2

Transforming Spaces

Completes Early 2025

Phase 2 focuses on refurbishing and reimagining internal spaces to create inclusive, practical and engaging environments for our university community. The transformation includes a large new student canteen and social workspace, an entrance to the University on Castle Meadow, and a new home for Student Support Services and the Students’ Union. This phase of the project involves substantial changes to the building, including adjustments to the existing structure, to ensure it can function as a vibrant centre for our students and staff.

A modern interior view featuring a wooden staircase with orange accents, leading to an upper floor. The space includes scattered white chairs and tables on a wooden floor, with artistic ceiling and wall designs enhancing the open, bright atmosphere.

A large indoor construction site featuring unfinished walls and exposed beams. Scaffolding and ladders are set up, and there's a table saw and various construction materials scattered on the floor.

Interior of a modern, empty room with a unique geometric wooden floor pattern. It features a long counter, arched doorways on the left, a white column in the center, and an orange staircase leading to an upper level on the right.

A brick building with the "University of the Arts" sign above a green door. Two ATMs are on the right. Trees with green leaves partially frame the scene. The area is cobbled and features a small black barrier to the left.

Phase 3

The University’s ‘Front Door’

Phase 3 will transform the building’s interior, including the refurbishment of the Banking Hall, London Street entrance, reception and workspace areas. The ambitious plans include creating a new public space for the city, featuring a café and gallery.

A flagship new library and archive, complete with associated learning, teaching and administrative spaces, will ensure our collections can be fully used in innovative and collaborative ways. We are just about to appoint architects for this phase, to bring these exciting plans to life.

The Banking Hall

Following the completion of Phase 1 refurbishment works in September 2023, the University opened several areas of the building for teaching, learning and research. Among these, the Banking Hall has been transformed into a unique, multi-purpose creative project studio, offering one of the largest studio spaces in higher education dedicated to nurturing creativity and collaboration.

This innovative space supports large group projects and experimentation across all disciplines. It has been a remarkable success, proving highly popular and well-used by both students and staff. The temporary studio will remain in place until Phase 3 construction begins, which will include the addition of a new project space on the ground floor.

A large indoor art installation features various cardboard figures and structures suspended from a metal frame. A white car is visible beneath them. Several people are observing the exhibit. The background has wooden panels and lighting equipment.

A person wearing a colorful, elaborate costume with a large, white headdress featuring multiple eyes and facial features stands in a workshop. Another person is taking a photo of them, and others are working at tables in the background.

The Project Hall

Two people adjust clothing on a model in a makeshift studio with a large "SHAPE OUR WORLD" banner in the background. The setting appears creative, with stairs and colorful walls.

A black and white image of a vintage bank interior, featuring high ceilings, large windows, and busy counters. People are seen conducting transactions and working at desks. The setting has an early 20th-century architectural style with classical details.

  • A red-brick building with white accents and a domed roof, featuring "Norwich University of the Arts" on a banner. The facade has large windows and a black sign near the entrance. The building is surrounded by a metal fence.
  • Black and white image of a historic building with ornate architecture, featuring large arched windows and detailed stonework. A few people walk along the sidewalk near a parked car in front of the building.
  • A large, historic brick building with arched windows and stone accents, located on a street corner. A bare tree stands nearby. Two green doors are visible, and parking signs are placed along the sidewalk under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A modern interior view featuring a wooden staircase with orange accents, leading to an upper floor. The space includes scattered white chairs and tables on a wooden floor, with artistic ceiling and wall designs enhancing the open, bright atmosphere.
  • A large indoor construction site featuring unfinished walls and exposed beams. Scaffolding and ladders are set up, and there's a table saw and various construction materials scattered on the floor.
  • Interior of a modern, empty room with a unique geometric wooden floor pattern. It features a long counter, arched doorways on the left, a white column in the center, and an orange staircase leading to an upper level on the right.
  • A brick building with the "University of the Arts" sign above a green door. Two ATMs are on the right. Trees with green leaves partially frame the scene. The area is cobbled and features a small black barrier to the left.
  • A large indoor art installation features various cardboard figures and structures suspended from a metal frame. A white car is visible beneath them. Several people are observing the exhibit. The background has wooden panels and lighting equipment.
  • A person wearing a colourful, elaborate costume with a large, white headdress featuring multiple eyes and facial features stands in a workshop. Another person is taking a photo of them, and others are working at tables in the background.
  • Two people adjust clothing on a model in a makeshift studio with a large "SHAPE OUR WORLD" banner in the background. The setting appears creative, with stairs and colourful walls.
  • A black and white image of a vintage bank interior, featuring high ceilings, large windows, and busy counters. People are seen conducting transactions and working at desks. The setting has an early 20th-century architectural style with classical details.

Find the Bank Plain

The newly acquired space opens up exciting possibilities for teaching, exhibitions, student services, as well as offering an enhanced social space.

20 Bank Plain, Norwich NR2 4SF