Significant development proposals have been revealed for Colney Hall on the western outskirts of Norwich.
Terms have been agreed between the landowner, James Boddy, and Choice Lifestyles, who are proposing to jointly develop a centre of excellence focusing on research and development in the field of neurology, together with associated educational facilities.
The nature of the development proposed at Colney Hall will exceed all Government objectives in terms of offering people with neurological conditions and disabilities a truly enabling environment. The aim is to provide a range of facilities associated with acquired brain injury through to treatment resistant conditions, dementia, palliative care and the whole range of neurology disciplines. Well considered building design, coupled with unprecedented educational and clinical expertise mean that this project will offer a real opportunity for individuals to have a meaningful and purposeful role in their local community. The scope for individual growth and development of people accessing these services is infinite; offering a balance of person tailored support with the infrastructure to enable them to overcome personal difficulties and realise their goals.
Colney Hall is allocated in the South Norfolk Local Plan and subsequent adopted planning guidance as part of the Norwich Research Park cluster, at which there is an emphasis on health, plant, food and environmental sciences. The development proposed is entirely consistent with the established planning framework.
An outline planning application for the development masterplan is being prepared which it is anticipated will be submitted in early 2010. Detailed discussions are underway with the planners over masterplanning, design, transportation and sustainability aspects. Subject to planning consent, development is expected to commence in 2010 with a view to the first phase being completed in 2011.
The development will be phased. It will ultimately provide in excess of 500 jobs initially to people within the local community; with excellent training and personal development opportunities for people employed at all levels.
LSI Architects are masterplanning the site and will be responsible for design. James Boddy, the landowner, comments “my intention is to create an environment conducive to healing, self reliance and enterprise for the benefit of all our community. We are intending to bring forward innovative designs using materials consistent with the mature, attractive landscaping that is established at Colney Hall. My team and Choice Lifestyles are committed to creating an exemplar development both in terms of design and sustainability.
Jawad Sheikh, CEO of Choice Lifestyles comments: ''We are committed to providing sterling services within this development for which there is a clear need. We intend to liaise closely with the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, the Primary Care Trust and the Mental Healthcare Trust to ensure that our development is complementary and in line with their work and needs.
As a part of the Norwich Research Park this provides further links and collaboration, thus contributing to the centre of excellence that already exists, and attracting to the development leading consultants and researchers into Norfolk and Norwich.
Further we will be linking to charitable providers for their input to the development of these services.
We are extremely excited by this development, which in itself represents a unique opportunity to improve and provide real quality and outcomes to peoples lives in an idyllic setting.''
Support for the development is emerging from various quarters.
Robin Daniels, Chief Executive of the Norwich Research Park, comments “this proposed development is very significant for Norwich and the region. Building on the success of the School of Medicine, Health Policy & Practice at the University of East Anglia, this will confirm Norwich as a nationally significant centre of health research and teaching. This scale of inward private sector investment, at a time of severe economic slowdown is further evidence of the attractiveness of the Norwich Research Park as a world leading centre for research and innovation across a range of critical global challenges”
South Norfolk Council Leader John Fuller says: "Every step forward that the Norwich Research Park takes is great news for South Norfolk, the county and the region. The NRP really is a powerhouse of innovation and it is exciting to see the collaborative work of this Council and the NRP partners taking shape, right in front of our eyes. Everyone should be congratulated on the progress they are making and on the continuing success of the world class NRP."
Richard Ellis, chair of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), says: “Norwich really has established itself as a jewel in the crown of one of the most innovative regions in the UK – the East of England. These new proposals will complement EEDA’s own investment to enhance the Norwich Research Park, both in terms of creating new jobs and enabling critical research and development work to help combat debilitating medical conditions.”
Daniel Cox, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: "This development is potentially excellent news for both the NRP and the long-term economy of the greater Norwich area. This facility will build on the significant scientific expertise which already exists within the NRP and offers real hope for the future that our goal of adding to the highly skilled workforce, which already exists in Norfolk will be realised”.
The impending planning application will follow an already submitted application for an Independent Life Centre, to be operated by the MS Society on land gifted by the landowner. This proposed development of 16,000 sq. ft. on a 2 acre site has generated significant support from various local organizations and individuals. Development is hoped to commence in 2010.