The Writers’ Centre in Norwich is being relaunched as the National Centre for Writing. This follows a £2m extension and restoration of the historic Dragon Hall, backed by patrons including internationally-renowned authors Margaret Atwood, JM Coetzee, Sarah Perry, Elif Shafak and Ali Smith.

Opening this summer, the National Centre for Writing will celebrate the best in world literature. A programme of innovative collaborations will engage writers, literary translators and readers, in person and online, in projects that support new voices and new stories, and respond to the rapidly changing world of writing.

Based at the Dragon Hall in Norwich, the newly constructed south wing will welcome some 20,000 young people for a programme of ambitious school projects in the coming year. Workshops and mentoring will be available for writers at all levels, both face-to-face and online.

The 15th-century medieval hall is becoming a creative hub, with residencies available for writers and translators from around the world in the newly refurbished cottage.

For details go to www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk