Creating a new city centre community

For more information on Pablo Fanque House, click here.

A vibrant regional city with a growing and diverse body of students, Norwich is in increasing need of purpose-built university accommodation to satisfy demand and also relieve pressure on existing housing stock. Having successfully completed the All Saints Green project for students at Norwich University of Arts, Alumno identified another opportunity to develop high-quality student housing nearby, and further regenerate this part of the East Anglian city.

“Our successful proposal again involved creating a mixed use and modern new-build development located on a prominent city centre site,” explains Alumno managing director David Campbell. “The aim was to build on the success of our All Saints Green project and the real positive impact it is having on Norwich.”

The site chosen was once the location of a Mecca Bingo hall and Gaumont club that had been vacant for some time in the All Saints Green area. Called Pablo Fanque House, after a famous Norwich showman, the new development provides bespoke accommodation for 244 students, who were offered a range of rooms dependent on their specific requirements and budget. The mix of studio flats, some with on-suite bathrooms and designed for accessibility, are accompanied by spacious communal areas where students can relax and socialise.

As with many of Alumno’s student developments, Pablo Fanque House is managed by an on-site team and includes a number of security features for the safety and protection of residents.

“The residential areas of the building are complemented by commercial space on the ground floor, which will attract footfall and activity to this part of All Saints Green to make the area more vibrant throughout the day and evenings,” says Campbell. “We hope the new development will build on our relationship with the community and further contribute to Norwich’s growth and prosperity.”

Pablo Fanque House was completed in September 2018.