Norwich City Council revives Anglia Square

The purchase marks a significant milestone in the ambitious plans to transform Anglia Square into a vibrant, modern hub and is a significant step forward in the ambition to deliver around 1,100 new homes, business opportunities and jobs for local people. 

The Council acquired the site after several years of uncertainty and unsuccessful development attempts. This acquisition was achieved in partnership with Homes England, whose support Norwich City Council credits as being crucial in facilitating this purchase.  

The site, which previously housed a cinema that premiered the Alan Partridge film Alpha Papa, became available following Weston Homes' decision earlier this year to abandon their development plans, despite having secured planning approval from the Council.  

The funding for the purchase of the site from Columbia Threadneedle Investments has been provided by Homes England to the Council. A bid for further grant funding from Homes England has been made to enable the demolition and infrastructure required to then take forwards development.  

Councillor Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council said: “The Council has grasped this golden opportunity on behalf of the people of Norwich to bring a bright new future to Anglia Square and ensure it’s developed as quickly as possible to benefit the people of Norwich. We are now in the driving seat to create a new Anglia Square with affordable homes, diverse retail and leisure outlets, a new neighbourhood centre, and well-paid jobs for local people."
 
Development plans include up to 1,100 new homes, a variety of retail, office and leisure spaces with vibrant landscaped gardens, a new neighbourhood centre, public realm and important new cycling links across the city.  

Pauline Schaffer, Director, Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, said: “Anglia Square is an example of Norwich City Council’s ambition to revitalise the city centre and repurpose brownfield land into new homes for the local community. This key regeneration area for Norwich, has the potential to have a huge transformational impact on the city. We have worked closely with the council to support the successful acquisition; this shows how investment from Homes England is helping to unlock new homes and thriving places people can be proud of.” 

Anglia Square is an established local shopping centre in Norwich. The Council will work with existing traders to understand their requirements and provide business support to assist them.  

Cllr Stonard said: “Transforming Anglia Square is about delivering substantial benefits for local people and making sure no one is left behind, which includes traders. 

“What we will achieve in Anglia Square will resonate throughout the city and beyond. I am convinced it will become a beacon of modern, low carbon, urban living in the heart of one of England’s most historic cities.”