Key Takeaways
- Charles Darwin School will transform the former Departure Lounge site into a cooking classroom.
- The conversion plan was approved by Norwich City Council after being submitted by Inspiration Trust in June.
- Norfolk Constabulary recommended security measures, including a perimeter fence and enhanced lighting, to protect the site.
Transformation of Former Café into Cooking Classroom
Charles Darwin School is set to convert the former Departure Lounge building, located at Charles and Wensum House on Prince of Wales Road, into a food technology classroom. The café, which opened in 2016, claimed to serve “the best bacon roll in the world.” However, it closed in 2024 following a forfeiture notice from Wilson & Roe, a company responsible for debt recovery.
The proposal to repurpose the site was submitted by Inspiration Trust, the organization overseeing the school, and received approval from the Norwich City Council recently. The new cooking classroom aims to provide students with practical culinary skills in a dedicated environment.
In light of these changes, police have shared recommendations to help deter potential crime at the site. Penny Turner, a representative from Norfolk Constabulary, has advised developers on implementing effective security measures, including a 2.4-meter perimeter fence. This fence should not create climbing aids that could compromise security.
In addition to the fence, a comprehensive lighting plan is suggested to illuminate vulnerable areas around the building. Turner emphasized the importance of careful design to enhance safety while integrating with the overall school environment.
This site will now serve as an educational space for Charles Darwin Primary School, benefiting students in their food technology curriculum. The building has remained vacant for over a year following the closure of the Departure Lounge, marking a new chapter for the space now aimed at fostering essential life skills in children.
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