Work to restore a part of Norwich’s historical past is set to begin next week, when the first phase of renovation at Howard House, King Street, will be carried out.
Orbit Homes, developer of the neighbouring £70m St Anne’s Quarter, has appointed local building contractors W.S Lusher & Son Ltd to carry out the restoration, which will see Howard House brought back into use.
Having stood empty and derelict for over 25 years, Orbit Homes will restore the building as part of its plans to transform St Anne’s Quarter into a high-quality residential-led quarter, offering over 400 new homes, alongside first-class customer services for living, working and leisure, in the heart of the city.
Now a Grade II listed building, Howard House originally belonged to Henry Howard, the former Duke of Norfolk. Using the home as his summer residence, he’s thought to have acquired the land during the 16th century when the Augustinian friary that previously occupied the site was dissolved.
The development site’s intriguing medieval history was revealed during an archaeological excavation conducted last summer. Carried out by Norwich Property Services (NPS) Archaeology on behalf of Orbit, archaeologists at the dig uncovered treasure and skeletons dating back to the 14th century.
Maggie McCann, development director at Orbit Homes, said: “The historical significance of this site makes it an incredibly exciting development for Orbit Homes. St Anne’s Quarter will sit atop Henry Howard’s former garden, so we’re delighted to be starting the works to restore his beloved summer house. We’ve been working closely with our partners throughout the project to ensure Norwich’s history is carefully preserved and recorded, and are keen to make sure it is reflected in the new development as it moves forward.”
To find out more about the archaeological excavation, as well as Orbit Homes’ plans for the site, click below to watch an illuminating five-minute video on the development of St Anne’s Quarter.
