Historic Norwich radio studios given new lease of life by UEA students
The studios are going to be used by current journalism students.
Last updated 23rd Apr 2021
The University of East Anglia is taking over the historic radio studios in Colegate, previously used for broadcasting for 35 years.
The former professional studios are going to be updated, with state-of-the-art equipment installed, so journalism students can be taught using industry-standard facilities.
Director of the UEA's journalism course, Prof Mark Wells spotted the studios just days before they were due to be demolished.
He said: "For the University, with its expanding journalism and creative practice programmes, it was too good an opportunity to miss.
"Our Place quickly put demolition on hold, and gave the University the opportunity to develop a plan to make use of the site's unique features."
Maja Anushka Park-Roesel, who is studying UEA's Broadcast and Digital Journalism MA course, said: "I'm really looking forward to having another space in the heart of Norwich to work and investigate from! Being able to get to grips with cameras and microphones is a great way to learn practically."
Radio shows were broadcast from the studios for nearly 35 years, first opening in 1984 as Radio Broadland.
One of its founding presenters was our very own Rob Chandler.
Permission has now been granted to change the use of the studios by Norwich City Council.
Prof Wells added: "Journalism is a people-business."
"From this central location, students will be within easy reach of the all city and county authorities, its usually flourishing arts and performance locations - and of course,
"Gentleman's Walk and the market place - where it's always possible to find interesting opinions.
"For the last ten years, we've been working from EPIC Studios in Magdalen Street.
"It was great working there, with access to their modern facilities, but with new courses and more students, we have outgrown the space available to us there."
UEA launched a new BA in Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism in September alongside the MA degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism it already offers.