Helgate Pottery Studio's major Norwich revamp plans approved

James Wreford, 33, and Ned Davies, 32, opened Helgate Pottery Studio in Queen of Hungary Yard, off St Benedicts Street, in 2022.

The existing studio was once a car radio garage that took several months to clear but is now used as a space for providing classes, apprenticeships and studios for local potters.

James Wreford (left) and Ned Davies opened Helgate Studio in 2022 (Image: James Wreford)

"Ned is a potter," explained James.

"When he moved from London he needed a space to set up his studio.

"He found the listing online and it’s a pretty romantic location within one of Norwich’s historic yards, and we were taken by its craggy charm and the fact it’s so close to town."

The current studio will be replaced by a two-story build with a massive increase in floor space (Image: Steve Drake at Studio Drake)

After the pottery business quickly became popular, the couple - who live in NR2 - realised it was time to invest in a purpose-built and accessible space.

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In December 2023, James and Ned applied for planning permission for a state-of-the-art studio.

The work will involve the full demolition of the currently dilapidated space, which will be replaced by a much larger red brick two-story building, with studio space for all forms of art and a pottery area.

The plans show how far back the new studio will extend (Image: Steve Drake at Studio Drake)

However, plans proved contentious, with seven objections filed to Norwich City Council, including from Norwich Arts Centre and people living nearby.

An initial intention to be in use 24 hours a day saw the city council state the venue could only operate as a business between 9am and 9pm.

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"Both the proposed new building and the applicants' stated intentions for its use will be significantly to the detriment of the residents," said one neighbour.

Management at the Arts Centre took issue with the scaffolding that would need to be erected on their property, the smell of fumes from the site and the fact that it will overlook its garden space and courtyard.

Queen of Hungary Yard is accessible from St Benedicts Street in the heart of the city (Image: Google)

Despite this, the city council approved the plans on April 16.

James added: "Getting planning approval was a huge undertaking and we are so grateful and happy to have achieved it.

"We are located in an area of great scrutiny regarding conservation and heritage.

"We are hoping to offer something of a revival of Queen of Hungary Yard, bringing the community back into this unique space and connecting them with its history.

"We are very grateful for the support that we have received."

Building work is expected to start later this year.