A city charity specialising in beer brewing and bread baking has found a new home after a huge sinkhole thwarted its operation in 2023.

The team at Equal Brewkery were left devastated when they lost access to the former Independence Matters site, run by Norfolk County Council, in Ipswich Road.

"We had to evacuate when a huge sinkhole opened up right by the entrance," said charity founder Bill Russell.

"The whole centre closed and we were left homeless."

Norwich Evening News: The former home in Ipswich Road was closed when a huge sinkhole opened up at the entrance of the buildingThe former home in Ipswich Road was closed when a huge sinkhole opened up at the entrance of the building (Image: Denise Bradley)

Bill revealed that the social enterprise, which teaches people with learning difficulties to bake bread and brew beer, has found a new home.

He continued: "After some false starts, we have got a new location for the brewing part of our operation - a disused shipping container at Whitlingham Country Park.

"The Tesco at Harford Bridge kindly said that we can use their bakery once a week too, and we baked our first batch of loaves last week!"

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However, Bill pointed out that the project still faces many challenges before it can open.

He said: "We are going through the planning process now, so it is likely to be several months before we can open the brewery again."

Volunteers from Aviva have been instrumental in securing the new home for Equal Brewkery, having designed what the microbrewery could look like, created a project plan and sourced materials and suppliers.

Norwich Evening News: Bill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery, at the mash tun with volunteers Donna Donnachie, left, and Emma HornbyBill Russell, founder of Equal Brewkery, at the mash tun with volunteers Donna Donnachie, left, and Emma Hornby (Image: Newsquest)

"At our lowest ebb, Aviva reached out to help, and their support has been brilliant," Bill added.

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"This is a massive step forward for us - without a home, we couldn't support the people we had been working with."

Bill was blown away when a CrowdFunder launched - also with the help of Aviva - raised £15,000 to help the charity get back on its feet.

"I've promised anyone who donated a bottle of beer - 370 is a lot of bottles!" laughed Bill.

"We are absolutely thrilled, here's to the future."