Construction work extended with no set end date

Signs in Norwich city centre says construction work has been "extended"

Construction work to revamp a city centre square has been extended with no set completion date.

Work in Hay Hill, in Norwich city centre, started in 2023 and was due to be completed in February 2024.

The aim of the work was to create a "reimaged" and accessible space and improve walking links between Norwich Market, Millennium Plain, Gentleman's walk and Chantry Place.

A spokesperson for Norwich City Council, said: "We are working with the contractor Tarmac, to complete work to open Hay Hill at the earliest opportunity."

New signs around the area said the construction duration has been extended due to "additional works" and that "workforce abuse" would not be "tolerated" on the site.

Since the work started in 2023, sculptures which previously occupied the space, have been relocated to Eaton Park - except for the statue of Thomas Browne which has been returned to Hay Hill.

While Pam Juden said it had "taken quite a long time" she believed once completed, it would look "very pleasant"

Pam Juden who lives in Acle and travels into Norwich once a week said the construction work has "taken quite a long time".

However, she believed the area would look "very pleasant when it's done".

The 84-year-old added: "This is the centre, this is where tourists come, this is where you come to shop and it's a shame to have these bars and barriers.

"Now in July, we should be able to walk wherever we want in Norwich and enjoy the flowers or sit where we want and not have to be barred constantly by these barriers."

Irene Cox from Eaton said it was "alright" before

Eighty-four-year-old Irene Cox, who lives in Eaton in Norwich, said the work had taken "forever and a day".

"To me it was alright the way it was before. I just think how much money are they spending on this that could have been spent on more important issues," she said.

A spokesperson for Norwich City Council, said: "Once we have a firm date for completion, we will officially invite people to come along and see the redevelopment of a much-loved part of our city centre this summer."

They thanked nearby businesses for their patience.