Are things moving forward for former Hamond Grammar School site in Swaffham?

Plans will move forward this year to start work at a derelict school site in the heart of Swaffham, according to a Breckland councillor.

There have been concerns raised about the former Hamond’s Grammar School site in the town centre numerous times at Swaffham Town Council.

However, councillors received an update from Breckland councillor Judy Anscombe as to what is happening to the site - which was purchased by new owners last year.

The historic building has been unoccupied for a lengthy period of time and it is still unknown as to what it will be used for.

At last Wednesday’s full meeting, Cllr Anscombe told councillors that a planning officer from Breckland Council has recently visited the property with an agent.

“They will continue with plans which will move forward this year. They are going through the contractual part of this project.”

Cllr Lindsey Beech, Deputy Mayor of Swaffham Town Council, asked: “Is there any reason why this has been so delayed?”

Cllr Anscombe added: “The current owners have only had it for a year. During that time, it’s been about funding and viability.

“I think it’s good news there is a proposal that is moving forward.”

In a previous meeting, it was said that security measures had been put in place on the building to prevent intruders from entering.

The empty 18th Century schoolhouse has previously been branded an “eyesore” of the town.

The former boarding grammar school was home to an antique shop for a time. The site was vacant and boarded up in 2009, and was suffering from decay and neglect.

The site has been subject to vandalism and arson attacks and the level of repair required is thought to have increased over the years.