New homes set to be built on site of former Norwich shoe factory
Dozens of new homes are set to be built at the site of a derelict shoe factory that was ravaged in a blaze earlier this year.
Norwich City Council has revealed it purchased the former Van Dal site on Dibden Road, in the north of Norwich, following the fire on January 20.
The authority has since sold the site to housing developers Flagship, who hope to build nearly 50 new homes where the factory previously stood.
Hemingford Group, which previously owned the building, has already carried out demolition work on the site but construction cannot start on the housing development until planning permission is granted.
The derelict factory faced ongoing issues with vandalism, including smashed windows and graffiti, after Van Dal shoemakers moved out in 2018.
After the fire tore through the building local people were urged to close their windows and avoid touching debris, due to concerns about potential asbestos risks.
A nearby primary school was even forced to shut amid safety fears.
Soon after the incident, Norwich City Council purchased the site with part of its Town Deal revolving fund, using a government grant to unlock stalled brownfield sites by selling them on to developers.
A council spokesman said: “The council has sold the former Florida shoe factory, on Dibden Road, to Flagship Housing recently, after acquiring the site earlier this year.
“The sale of the site to Flagship was made on the agreement that they will provide around 48 new affordable homes subject to planning permission.”
Carli Harper, cabinet member for major projects, added: “We are determined to drive up provision of affordable housing and this shows our ambition.
“The site was at risk of becoming a magnet for anti-social behaviour and a localised eyesore, so it is great to see it getting put to good use.”