Revamp aims to make city's market 'magical'

In one of three potential designs, a central court could be added to Norwich market

A central court could be added to a city's renowned marketplace as part of plans for a major revamp.

Smaller squares and a covered pathway through the middle are also options being put forward by Norwich City Council.

Carli Harper, the Labour councillor responsible for major projects, said the authority wanted to make it "one of the most magical places you can visit in Norwich or the region".

The council has now launched a survey asking for the public's views on its proposals and said it hoped to have final plans drawn up by this autumn.

Norwich has one of the largest markets in the UK

Earlier this year, the cabinet of the Labour-run authority agreed to spend £740,000 to commission proposals for potential new designs.

Should changes go ahead, it would be the first major redevelopment of the market since 2006 – when ageing, wooden stalls were replaced with metal structures with roofs.

The council said a central court or smaller squares could be used for "special events" and pop-up stalls, whilst a covered pathway would provide "a clear entrance point".

Another option to change the layout of the market would see a covered pathway running through the middle

Dominic Burke, co-owner of the Sir Toby's Beers stall, said some "exciting ideas" had been proposed.

He added that traders had been meeting with the council to discuss plans and it was important for the wider public to comment.

"The market belongs to everyone," he said.

Harper said the aim was to "maximise footfall" and make the site "a destination market in Europe" and that construction work could begin later this year.