New Build Project – Work Starts

Work starts on new sheltered housing unit at Norwich’s Great Hospital after £3.24 million Homes England grant.

The Great Hospital in Norwich city centre has celebrated a milestone in the development of a new sheltered housing unit after the first bricks were laid. Made possible by a dedicated £3.24 million grant from Homes England, the state-of-the-art facility will expand affordable housing options for older residents in the local community.

The unit, being built on the site of the former Elaine Herbert House care home, demolished in 2022, will offer 19 units of modern accommodation at the historic medieval hospital in Bishopgate.

The Great Hospital was founded in 1249 and provides affordable sheltered homes for over 100 older people in a unique mix of former almshouses, period buildings and modern accommodation.

The charity was granted £3.24 million from Homes England this year towards the development of a new sheltered housing unit. Planning permission was received in 2019 and archaeological excavation has been carried out on site in addition to initial ground preparation works in recent months.

The Great Hospital celebrates work underway on a new sheltered housing unit in Norwich. (L-R) James Hick, Manager, Affordable Housing Delivery, Homes England; Jonathan Smith, Commercial Director, Smith of Honingham; Gina Dormer, Master and Chief Executive, the Great Hospital; James Banham, Chair of Trustees, the Great Hospital. [Copyright: Mary Doggett Photography/Credit: Great Hospital]

Gina Dormer, CEO and Master of the Great Hospital, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Homes England for their generous financial support which has made this project possible and acknowledges the vital need for more independent living options across Norwich and surrounding areas.

“This new accommodation will be a wonderful addition to the Great Hospital site, enhancing our vibrant community in the heart of the city.

“It allows us to continue our 775-year heritage of providing affordable, high-quality housing to those in need, blending state-of-the-art modern living with our cherished historic surroundings.”

Shahi Islam, Director, Affordable Housing Grants, Homes England, said: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.

“It is great to see that funding from the Affordable Homes Programme has enabled the development of new sheltered housing at the Great Hospital and provide much needed new homes in Norwich city centre.”

As well as being a charity, the Great Hospital is a Registered Provider of Social Housing and a member of the Almshouse Association.