The ambitious plan will see the creation of 1,100 homes along with retail and leisure spaces, transforming the eleven acre site into a modern community hub. Norwich City Council, which purchased the site for £5.6 million in December after a private developer withdrew from a previous £300 million regeneration scheme, said the project represented a new era for the city.
Council leader Mike Stonard called the moment a significant milestone. “This is a huge day, a historic day and the culmination of a lot of hard work,” he told BBC Look East. He added that the site had suffered from years of decline and repeated failed private sector projects. “The council has taken control because we are determined to make it happen,” he said.
The demolition process is expected to continue until spring, after which construction will begin. In the first two phases, around 350 new homes will be built, mainly as flats. Half of these are expected to be designated as social or affordable housing, forming the foundation for a more inclusive community.
The full design and planning permission for later phases of the scheme are still under review. However, city officials and project partners, including investment firm Aviva, are optimistic that the redevelopment will bring lasting benefits to Norwich.
“This regeneration will be fantastic for the area and will have a positive knock on effect for the entire city,” Stonard said.
The project has also drawn attention from community representatives who are calling for strong commitments to affordability and inclusivity. Martin Schmierer, Green councillor for the Mancroft ward, emphasised that the area around Anglia Square is one of the more deprived parts of Norwich.
“The new development must meet the needs of local residents both in terms of housing and retail opportunities,” he said. “The council should ensure that a large proportion of the new homes remain social and affordable. Right now, we are receiving mixed signals on that.”
With government funding of £34 million supporting the purchase, demolition, and early planning, the Anglia Square project is being seen as a critical step in revitalising Norwich’s urban landscape. It reflects a broader national trend toward council led regeneration aimed at restoring city centres and creating spaces that meet modern community needs.
