Majority back redesign of historic city market

Norwich market is one of the oldest open-air markets in Britain

Seven out of 10 people have backed the idea of redesigning a city's historic marketplace after a public survey, a council has said.

Earlier this year Norwich City Council launched a consultation on ideas - including a central court to the market, which dates back to the 11th Century.

It was the most popular of three options – with the other two being smaller squares or a covered arcade running through the site.

Councillor Carli Harper said the aim of revamping the market was to make it "one of the best places for shoppers and tourists in Europe".

Norwich Market was last redeveloped in 2006, when its wooden stalls were replaced with covered metal units.

When the Labour-run authority revealed plans to update it, it warned that "ageing infrastructure" was limiting its potential.

Adding a central court to the market was the most favoured option in the survey

It said it would spend £740,000 on plans, which would include a new layout and other upgrades including new shutters and CCTV cameras.

The council said more than 2,800 people had responded to its survey on the future of Norwich Market.

It found 29% of people taking part favoured the central court idea and 22% supported smaller squares, with 19% saying an arcade was the best option.

But 30% of respondents said they would prefer no change at all.

The survey results also showed that 67% of people wanted more seating in or around the market, whilst 57% said live music would make them want to visit in the evening.

An arcade running through the middle of the market was the least popular option with survey respondents

The council said it would now work on a "detailed business plan" ahead of any final decisions being made.

Harper said her "main takeaway" from the results was that "a large majority of respondents want to see some kind of change to the market".

"The challenge now is how we make Norwich Market even better and meet the needs of future consumers, address the views of market traders, ensuring the market retains its medieval magic while making it one of the best places for shoppers and tourists in Europe," she said.