The Shoebox, a social enterprise located at 21-23 Castle Meadow in Norwich’s city center, is a community hub with a rich history. The building was purchased in 1861 by James Pond, who transformed it into the successful Ponds Foot Fitters. Beneath the building, there is a hidden street and undercroft that dates back to the 15th century. Tours of this historical site have been conducted since 2017, initially in collaboration with a charity that occupied the premises. However, in May 2021, The Shoebox Enterprises took over the lease and began operating tours independently.
The tours of the hidden street and undercroft are just one of the activities offered by The Shoebox. They also run guided history tours across the city and host the Secrets of the Tunnels escape game. The proceeds from these activities support the social enterprise’s vital community work. However, The Shoebox Enterprises recently received notice from the private owner and landlord of the building, terminating their lease. As a result, they will be vacating the site in April 2024. It is currently unknown what plans the landlord has for the Grade 2-listed building, which is registered as an asset of community value.
Tom Gaskin, the founder and CEO of The Shoebox Enterprises, expressed both sadness at leaving their home and optimism for the future. He acknowledged the potential impact of this uncertainty on the community, customers, and staff but assured that they are actively seeking alternative premises for their community. Despite the impending departure, The Shoebox is still offering their Hidden Street Tour, Lantern Light Underground Tour, and Secrets of the Tunnels escape game, encouraging people to book and experience these immersive activities before it’s too late.
In conclusion, The Shoebox is a social enterprise located in Norwich’s city center that provides a range of activities, including guided history tours and an escape game. The building housing The Shoebox has a long history, and it was purchased by James Pond in 1861. Beneath the building, there is a hidden street and undercroft that have been the site of tours since 2017. However, The Shoebox Enterprises recently received notice to terminate their lease, and they will be leaving the site in April 2024. The future of the Grade 2-listed building is uncertain, but The Shoebox is actively seeking new premises and remains committed to bringing immersive experiences to Norwich.
