Bank Plain

A Historic Landmark

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.

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.

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.