City's market revamp plan moves forward

Construction work on revamping Norwich market could start in 2026

Planners have backed a project that could lead to major changes to one of the UK's largest and oldest outdoor markets.

Members of Norwich City Council's Labour-run cabinet agreed to spend £740,000 to draw up proposals on revamping the city centre's covered market place full of brightly coloured, permanent stalls.

The work could potentially see extra open spaces added, with hopes of increasing evening and weekend trade.

Describing the market as "iconic", Labour councillor Beth Jones said investing in it was "crucial".

"It's the heart of our city so I'm really looking forward to this," she added.

A report for councillors said that "ageing infrastructure" and "environmental issues" meant the market currently "fails to maximise its full potential".

It also recommended the council moved forward with smaller improvements including measures to scare pigeons, upgrades to stall shutters and awnings and the installation of CCTV cameras.

The Green Party's Liam Calvert asked for reassurances that taxpayers had been asked for their thoughts on the market

Green councillor Liam Calvert said a revamp was "long overdue and exciting", but he questioned the cabinet on whether shoppers had been consulted.

In reply, Claire Kidman, the member responsible for a prosperous Norwich, said that more than 1,400 people had taken part in a survey in 2022.

She said there would be further consultation once a "preferred option" had been selected for the market redesign.

"That preferred option will be supported by a business case that will not only look at financial value-for-money for the city, but also wider economic, social and environmental benefits," she said.

If the council does decide to make changes to the market, construction work could begin in 2026.