The former Van Dal shoe factory in Dibden Road has been the target of break-ins and anti-social behavior since the business moved out in 2018. Vandals have forced entry into the abandoned factory, breaking down boards and smashing windows, and have also spray-painted graffiti across the building. Developer Hemingford Group plans to convert the space into 48 new flats, including 28 social homes and 20 properties under shared ownership. The new development, called Dibden Court, would consist of one and two-bedroom dwellings. Local Green Party representative Alex Catt is hopeful that the proposed plans will secure the site and prevent further criminal activity.
The Green Party is urging local residents to report any anti-social behavior to the police. They also plan to raise the issue of ongoing break-ins and vandalism with the local policing team at an upcoming community Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel meeting. If approved, the plans for Dibden Court would include two housing blocks, 12 parking spaces, and two disabled bays. Labour Councillor Julie Brociek-Coulton is in favor of the proposed development, believing it will benefit both couples and single people. However, she would like the planning committee to consider adding double yellow lines on Crome Road in order to manage the extra traffic that would result from the development.
Van Dal’s parent company, the Florida Group, was founded in 1936 after Adelman Goodman purchased the Florida shoe factory at the junction of Salhouse Road, which became known as Florida Corner. The company, which originally moved its shoe-making operations from London to Norwich, became known as Van Dal in 1946. Due to rising costs and a decrease in wholesale trade, the Dibden Road facility closed in 2018, and the Florida Group moved to a new office and warehouse in Salhouse Road.
The proposed plans for the vacant Van Dal shoe factory in Dibden Road have raised hope that the site will be secured, preventing further criminal activity. The development, known as Dibden Court, would provide much-needed housing, including social homes and properties under shared ownership. The local Green Party representative and Labour Councillor are both optimistic about the proposed plans, and the future of the site looks promising.
