Breathing life into empty premises

The new Norwich Unity Hub aims to find and manage empty premises, turning them into vibrant and active community spaces. Trustee Alicia Howell explains more

Who are you and what do you do?

We are a charity representing the voluntary sector helping them find empty premises to use in Norwich. This brings together these groups as a community helping them to benefit from shared ideas, resources and support and is working well in other cities.

The new Norwich Unity Hub has transformed an empty premises in St Augustine’s Gate, Norwich into a community space

What is Norwich Unity Hub and what is the thinking behind it?

We formed out of a meeting to see how many groups would be interested in a shared space – and there were a lot! Since then, the trustees supported by a steering group have been researching suitable premises and talking to interested parties to make the dream a reality.

How long has it been going and what space is up and running already?

It has been a year and a half since we first met but the idea has been around for longer! Our first space is at St Augustine’s Gate which we have on a Meanwhile (temporary) Lease and is available to hire for events or meetings.

The first Norwich Unity Hub is up and running at St Augustine’s Gate, complete with a sofa donated by @cotswoldco, a coffee table built by @norwich.mens.shed, using left over wood donated by @aylshammethodist

Would you like namecheck everyone involved/the trustees?

The trustees are Ian Blunnie, chair of the Norwich Men’s shed; Maria Thornberg, director of ReDo Norfolk CIC; Steve Wiseman, director of Norwich Eco Hub CIC, Clear Company CIC and ManGoma CIC; and me, director of Norwich Eco Hub CIC and Norwich Vegans CIC. We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to join the trustees.

What has the space been used for so far – and what is the next event?

So far, we have had a 50p sale which was well attended by the local community, and we have an open day for groups coming up with lots more planned.

What are the main aims of Norwich Unity Hub, going forward?

To keep working with groups to set up a network of shared spaces in Norwich, supporting them to grow and provide the essential support that the voluntary and charity sectors bring to Norwich and beyond.

To find out more, or help support the Norwich Unity Hub, email admin@norwichunityhub.online or visit Facebook or Instagram. The Norwich Unity Hub open day is on Saturday July 6, at 2pm, at Unit 4, St Augustine’s Gate, Norwich.