Charities moving into home of family behind Colman's Mustard

The organisations are setting up in the Grade II listed Carrow House in King Street after a deal was agreed with Norfolk City Council to let the building to them on a temporary basis.

Carrow House in Norwich (Image: Antony Kelly)

Norwich City Council bought the 19th century building, which used to be home to the Colman family, from Norfolk County Council for more than £2m in 2021.

City Hall has invested a further £1.4m in the refurbishment of the building, which also previously housed Norfolk Museums costumes and textiles collection and Norfolk Coroner's Court.

The council's original intention was to make the building available for rent to a range of start-ups and small businesses, linked with the multi-million redevelopment former industrial sites in Carrow and Trowse, including the former Colman factory site.

But with that redevelopment - known as the East Norwich regeneration project - having stalled, the council has struggled to attract businesses into Carrow House.

The Carrow Works site (Image: Fuel Properties)

So, it has awarded what is known as a meanwhile lease on Carrow House and the next door New Carrow House to the charity Norwich Unity Hub.

The hub is providing the space to charities and community groups until the council's longer-term plans come to fruition.

The groups moving into Carrow House are involved with mental health support, young people, disability and accessibility services, environmental initiatives, creative arts, and skill development.

The Conservatory at Carrow House, pictured in 2007 (Image: Archant)

They include Village Orchard East, Norfolk Clubhouse, Art4Youth, Gathering Gates, Frozen Light Theatre, and Redo Norfolk.

Alicia Howell, chair of trustees at Norwich Unity Hub, said: "We are incredibly proud to bring together such a diverse range of organisations with common goals in skill development, arts, environmental sustainability, and wellbeing.

"Carrow House will be a transformative space where these groups can collaborate, support one another, and amplify their positive impact for the community."

Adam Giles (Image: Norwich City Council)

Adam Giles, a cabinet member at Labour-controlled City Hall, said: "I am sure the hub will be a dynamic, creative and collaborative space for a wide range of organisations striving hard to improve the lives and well-being of Norwich’s diverse communities."

Any other charities, social enterprises and community groups interested in moving in should contact Maria Thornberg at maria@norwichunityhub.online