Why we are proposing these changes

About the area

Hay Hill and the Haymarket were formerly the marketplace for hay and other goods brought in from the surrounding countryside. Since the unveiling of the Thomas Browne statue in 1905, the space has taken on more of a civic identity as a public open space.

Home to a number of sculptures and other features throughout the decades, it is one of the largest urban open spaces in the city centre and is a key public space on the route between Chantry Place and Norwich Market.

Background to the proposals

Hay Hill is one of the few remaining large city centre spaces, however reports of trips and falls, and general deterioration in the fabric have resulted in the space looking tired and not being used effectively.

Seeing potential to improve the space, Norwich City Council drew together a business case to apply to the government’s Towns Fund to enhance the area. This was approved and funds awarded to the city council to deliver improvements.

This project is one of eight in the city to be funded from the government’s £25 million Towns Fund, which was awarded to Norwich City Council in 2020. Find out more about Town Deal associated projects.

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