Work gets underway on new community hub for Blofield

Blofield Park Community Hub will transform the site of the former primary school into a modern, energy efficient facility designed to provide a welcoming new focal point for the growing community.

The project has received £650,000 from the Greater Norwich Growth Board, helping Blofield Parish Council turn its long held ambition for the site into reality. Broadland District Council has also agreed a £100,000 Community Infrastructure Levy loan to support the project.

Further funding is being provided through Blofield Parish Council’s own CIL reserves and Section 106 developer contributions. The new hub will include a flexible village hall with a kitchen, community café and office space, alongside a new re-purposed dedicated home for Blofield Preschool. The plans also includes outdoor space for the preschool plus new parking for cars and bicycles.

The development adds to improvements already made to the surrounding green space, including a new play area and outdoor gym equipment, helping create a high-quality community destination where residents of all ages can meet, socialise and take part in activities. The start of construction was celebrated with a ground-breaking event on 3 November, bringing together the organisations involved in making the project possible.

Cllr Sue Holland, Leader of Broadland District Council, said:

This is a fantastic investment in Blofield and a great example of how developer contributions can be used to provide the infrastructure our growing communities need. “This new hub will be much more than a building. It will provide a place where people can meet, children can learn and play, and local groups and organisations can thrive.

“Blofield Parish Council has shown tremendous commitment to this project over many years, and I am delighted that, working with our partners through the Greater Norwich Growth Board, we have been able to help turn that ambition into reality.”

The project follows the relocation of Blofield Primary School to its new £11.3 million school, freeing up the former school site for a new community use.

Blofield Parish Council has worked towards delivering a new community hub for more than eight years, including extensive work on consultation, planning and fundraising. The new facility will help ensure community infrastructure keeps pace with Blofield’s growth and provide a lasting asset for residents for many years to come.