Last updated 3 March 2022
Q. What will happen to the Brain and Eye sculptures?
A.The concept scheme suggests that the Homage to Thomas Browne, by Anne and Patrick Poirier, 2007, sculptures should be relocated to another site in Norwich. This is to enable more open space for events and activities as well as facilitate better routes through the space.
We would ideally like them to be relocated somewhere that has significance to Thomas Browne and within a public area of Norwich so that people can enjoy them. As part of the consultation we are asking people what they think of this proposal and seeking opinions on where people might like to see them relocated to.
Q. Where did the Brain and Eye sculptures come from and why were they put there?
A. The Homage to Thomas Browne, by Anne and Patrick Poirier, 2007, sculptures were commissioned in 2004 as part of the Norwich market refurbishment. The sculptures were funded through an Arts Council England grant. Further information on the sculptures can be found on the Sir Thomas Browne website.
Q. There was a water feature on Hay Hill before but it used to get vandalised with washing up liquid then had to be removed due to the cost of fixing it, won’t the same happen with a new water feature?
A. The design and operation of public water features has evolved since the 1970’s feature on Hay Hill. Control mechanisms can be put in place and the type of feature proposed can be turned off without impacting on the use of the space. The amount of water within the system will also be greatly reduced compared to the 1970’s feature.
Q. How sustainable will the water feature be?
A. The system will be designed to use the least amount of water and the water will be recirculated where possible. The council will be employing a specialist company to aid with the design, implementation and operational considerations of the water feature.
Q. What type of planting and replacement tree planting on site will be provided?
A. Whilst no trees are required to be removed to facilitate the concept scheme, we are seeking public views on if and where they would like to see replacement planting if some trees were removed as part of on-going management of the city’s tree stock.
Planting with colour and biodiversity interest would be proposed in the areas shown to receive soft landscape on the plan. Tree planting on site would likely comprise of some smaller trees to create a better canopy structure beneath the existing large trees.
Q. Will there be more and better seating?
A. Yes. There will be more informal seating with the installation of the double height steps. We are also looking at using the edges of the planted areas for informal seating.
Traditional seating like the circular benches around the existing trees will be reviewed to make furniture in these areas more accessible, with backrests and arm rests, as well as capacity to seat more people.
Q. How is the project funded, why can’t you spend the money on adult social care or other services in need of additional funding?
A. The Towns Fund grant is provided by central government for a range of projects focused on increasing economic regeneration and growth, the funding is ringfenced with an allocation for public realm improvements including the proposed work on Hay Hill. We are not able to spend the funds on anything other than the public realm enhancements we included in our business case when we applied for the funding.
Q. How will you address antisocial behaviour through the design?
A. We will be working with the police and other stakeholders to understand the existing issues on site. We will be improving evening lighting levels within the space as well as making the space more usable and accessible. By increasing levels of legitimate use of an area we anticipate a reduction in antisocial behaviour.
Q. How will the space be maintained?
A. We will be exploring opportunities with businesses and the Norwich Business Improvement District on maintenance of certain features such as the water feature. We will also be reviewing income from site bookings for events and concessions.
Q. Will the area be covered with restaurant or concession’s tables and chairs like Tombland?
A. No. The full space available, its central position in the city centre and the way people move through the space will prohibit this. We are looking to provide more areas for the public to freely sit and eat within the space, rather than licensing tables and chairs.
Q. What do the ‘Improved connectivity’ areas shown on the proposals plan over William Booth Street and Weavers Lane mean?
A. Making improvements to the routes through Hay Hill connecting these two streets. Funding secured through the Transforming Cities Fund by Transport for Norwich has been allocated to William Booth Street as a part of the St Stephen’s project. Find out more about the Transforming Cities Fund.
General improvements to Weavers Lane will form part of the Hay Hill project going forward. Items like addressing on street waste storage etc.
