Ingleton Wood supports Inspiration Trust to expand school sites in historic Norwich city centre Thursday, 4th January 2024

Working in partnership with leading property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood, Inspiration Trust has announced it has secured new premises in Guildhall Hill in Norwich city centre to expand its available facilities for staff and students of Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form and Jane Austen College Sixth Form.  

Our Norwich office was appointed to provide full design, planning and project management services for the expansion project with Inspiration Trust.

The site, previously used for office-related businesses, is located opposite Norwich Guildhall. Renovation of the interior of the building offers additional spaces for study for sixth form students and office spaces for staff of the nearby Jane Austen College Sixth Form and Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, both of which are oversubscribed and are noted for being two of the best sixth forms in Norfolk.

Building Surveyor Adam Johnson said: “Ingleton Wood has a proven track record of developing high-quality, modern and sustainable educational settings across Norfolk and we were thrilled to work closely again with Inspiration Trust to convert the iconic site in the heart of Norwich into state-of-the-art premises for generations to come. 

“Using our multi-disciplinary services and knowledge of operating safely within historical sites, we oversaw the complete internal overhaul and remodel of the former office building situated between the Guildhall and library, which required listed building planning consent. Our expert teams overcame an array of challenges and we were very pleased to deliver the new high-quality teaching spaces for Inspiration Trust.”

Inspiration Trust said it is excited to be given the opportunity to expand its school sites in a central location in the historic city of Norwich, easily accessible for sixth form students. The trust is pleased to facilitate a space for future generations of young adults to use for the betterment of their education for years to come.  

CEO of Inspiration Trust Gareth Stevens said: “It is fantastic to have the opportunity to expand our study and office spaces for our students and staff. With its brilliant city centre location and situated in such a historic area of Norwich, we couldn’t be more delighted.

“We continue to invest in our young adults, and I hope that this helps to inspire them to continue to aim high!”

Director of Operations Mark Fitzpatrick added: “We are incredibly happy with this addition to our school estate, not least as this will be a fantastic additional space for our students and staff to enjoy and benefit from.

“It is important for the Inspiration Trust to grow its estate to provide the provision of top-class education to the community. However, this comes with a great deal of responsibility as we ensure that the building receives the care and maintenance that it deserves. Special thanks to our Estates and IT teams for turning this building around.”