Citizen magazine Summer 2024 - text version - New home for local charity is mustard

New home for local charity is mustard 

The former home of the Colman family is soon to be occupied by a local charity, thanks to a creative solution brokered and  agreed by the city council in July 2024.

The news emerged after councillors approved a detailed agreement for Norwich Unity Hub (NUH), a charitable incorporated organisation, to take up a three-year lease on the grade II listed property, Carrow House.

This will act as a meanwhile use for three years while redevelopment options come forward as part of the wider East Norwich project – a brownfield area of the city earmarked for comprehensive regeneration to realise thousands of new homes and jobs.

A core aim of NUH is to provide affordable rented accommodation to charitable organisations in Norwich and fostering collaboration among their members.

Following approval by cabinet members at their meeting in July, the charity began preparing to move into their new temporary base.

Councillor Claire Kidman, cabinet member for ‘A prosperous Norwich’, said: “Our officers have done an amazing job to help turn this into reality. It’s a shining example of the work that local councils can do to positively influence things that really matter to people across our communities.

“We have been working hard in the background with NUH for a number of months to get to where we are today.

“This will soon mean NUH’s 25 to 30 strong member organisations can continue to deliver services in Norwich including mental health support, young people, disability and accessibility, environmental challenges, creative arts and skills development.

“This is something we can be collectively proud of.”

Alicia Howell, chair of trustees, Norwich Unity Hub CIO, said: “We are excited to work with Norwich City Council, setting up our first large-scale hub in Norwich. We will establish a dynamic and inclusive community hub that unites many charities and social enterprises under one roof in Norwich.

“We aspire to create a shared space where diverse organisations with common interests in skill development, making, arts, environmental sustainability and wellbeing can come together, collaborate, and thrive whilst working together to support  Norwich communities.”

For more information, you can read the July cabinet report by visiting www.norwich.gov.uk/committees