End of an era

The former Van Dal shoe factory, once producing 8,000 pairs of shoes a week and known locally in Norwich as ‘The Old Shoe Factory’, is now being carefully demolished by Anglian Demolition to make way for future redevelopment.

Built on nearly a century of shoemaking history, this Norwich site on Dibden Road saw its last pair leave the floor in 2018. In January 2025 the site was almost burnt to the ground by vandals,  resulting in a heart-wrenching decision to demolish the building on safety grounds, leaving behind so many memories for local staff and customers. A team of 6 demolition experts, led by site manager, John Bergin, and site supervisor Rob Ramsbotham, are now preparing the site for new beginnings.

Flagship Homes, part of Bromford Flagship, has exciting plans to regenerate the site and build affordable homes, helping to meet the growing demand in the city.

Anglian Demolition Managing Director, Lee Storer commented whilst on a site inspection this week, “This has been a unique demolition challenge on a building badly fire damaged. With limited room for heavy plant machinery, and a site positioned next to flats and nearby homes, our focus is on minimising disruption and responsibly recycling all materials. The Anglian Demolition team have made a great start, meaning the project should be concluded easily within two weeks.”

Flagship Homes Managing Director Tony Tann said:  “We’re proud to be bringing forward plans that will not only breathe new life into this site, but also deliver the affordable homes Norwich so urgently needs. This is about creating homes, communities and places where people can thrive.”