Andrew Dernie, chair of Town Deal Board Norwich and head of IT Finance Operations, Aviva
Great returns on investment are driven by people that are passionate about their enterprise,
have a shared vision of the opportunity and a proven capability to work together to deliver. I am excited because these essential elements for success are how the Norwich community gets things done.
The Town Fund will ensure that bold, visible outcomes are delivered at pace, and vital steps are taken to turn our vision for Norwich into reality. Investment in developing our digital talent and regenerating latent assets will be a catalyst for incubating new ventures and growing businesses to exploit the opportunities that an online, post Covid-19, post EU-exit world offers. Increasing business vitality and the wealth it creates will benefit the citizens of Norwich and unleash opportunities as we go forward as an independent nation.
Team Norwich has a record of delivery that makes this proposition compelling. From imaging cutting edge social housing that won the coveted Stirling Prize for architecture to creating an award-winning Business Improvement District that collaborates with over 700 city centre businesses to bring their ideas to life, this city has proven to itself that working together makes the difference.
Lets get going with this partnership and create new stories for Norwich and the UK that we are all proud to tell.
Councillor Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council and chair of Norwich 2040 Vision board
The genesis of our Towns Fund bid is rooted in the ambitions of the Norwich 2040 City Vision. The five themes that underpin it – a creative, liveable, fair, connected and dynamic city – have been shaped through a rolling engagement with an extensive and expanding range of businesses, statutory organisations, charities, community groups and young people.
The projects in our Towns Fund portfolio are focused on enhancing the creativity, liveability, connectivity, accessibility and inclusivity of the city centre, a common asset that is shared by both Norwich residents and the wider region.
Since 2021, we have completed four of our eight projects. It is particularly exciting to have opened two new specialist education facilities – the ACE and Digi-tech Factory at City College – which will equip students with the skills needed as our city and region transition to a low carbon economy.
The remaining projects are well underway and scheduled to complete in 2025. Wholesale improvements to the public space at Hay Hill and upgrades to The Halls will offer a real boost, welcoming visitors to the city centre and enhancing Norwich’s fantastic cultural offer.
Above all, the Norwich Town Deal is grounded in the framework of the 2040 city vision which has, at its heart, a commitment to delivering a positive future for people in Norwich.
