City hotel developers pledge to make progress soon

The former Tesco site in Norwich city centre - set to become a 91-bed hotel

Developers behind a city centre hotel and restaurant project have pledged to tidy up the rundown site and confirm its future.

The building has been boarded up since Tesco closed on the ground floor in May 2022 - almost a year after Norwich City Council approved plans for a 91-bed hotel.

In a prominent spot, it was a department store in the early 19th Century and stands next to the city's historic Guildhall.

Norwich property agents Ward Hill Walker told the BBC it is hopeful of striking a deal with Travelodge soon and a major restaurant chain is also lined up.

An artist's impression of the Pottergate side of the hotel site, from plans approved by Norwich City Council in 2021

The building, which stretches from Guildhall Hill to Pottergate, was once the Chamberlin & Sons department store and was rebuilt after a fire in 1898.

Some smaller shops remain on its Dove Street side following a partial demolition, but security barriers have become increasingly covered in graffiti.

Sarah Hill, director of Ward Hill Walker, said: "It is encouraging to report that we have had very strong interest in the ground floor and basement of the former Tesco unit from a national restaurant chain with over 200 cafes and restaurants, who will further widen the choice of food destinations in Norwich.

"We are, though, very aware that the unit is in need of some TLC and is looking in a poor state, not helped by becoming victim to graffiti.

"It is now a priority to clean the unit up and this is scheduled for the coming weeks."

The part-demolished Pottergate end of the disused building

Travelodge declined to comment on its current position on the project, but Ms Hill said her firm is hopeful confirmation is on the way.

She added: "The market is incredibly tough at the moment, but we remain in discussions with Travelodge and are hopeful for a successful outcome in the near future, which will see work start on the conversion of this iconic building into much needed quality hotel accommodation right in the heart of the city."

Plans for the rebuild include a new base for the large silver maple tree on the corner of Dove Street and Pottergate, replacing the raised paving slabs around its roots.

A tree preservation order was put in place during the planning process, amid concerns from some locals that it could be removed.