An east elevation of the proposed Anglia Square development.
For a stranger to Norwich the name Anglia Square Shopping Centre may conjure up images of high street shops, specialist boutiques and eateries situated in a spacious and elegant courtyard. This is the vision of developers Century Ashcroft LLP, who have recently submitted their proposal to regenerate and revitalise the area to Norwich City Council.
The Northern City Centre area of Norwich is currently Norwich City Council's priority area for regeneration. During World War Two it was severely damaged by air raids and the 1960s styled buildings currently in place are now considered by many local people to be an eyesore, ruining the city's landscape.
The new redevelopment of the shopping centre is therefore being seen as a possible solution to one of the least attractive parts of the ‘heritage city’, making the wider area a more pleasant place to visit - and to live.
Ranald Phillips from Centenary Ashcroft told 24hr Museum: “The £100 million mixed-use development will help regenerate the area around Anglia Square, attracting new residents, shoppers and businesses. If our plans are approved, we will start work on the site next summer for completion three years later."
The developers say the proposed redevelopment will be positive for Norwich's heritage in several ways. Historically the area is one of the longest settled in Norwich. When the area was developed in the 1960s excavation work revealed a lot of important artefacts – displayed in Norwich's museums today.
As part of their redevelopment Century and Ashcroft would pay for archaeological investigations on the land they build. Also, the area's original street pattern will be restored and the historic Botolph Street and Calvert Street will be reinstated.
The plan is to completely revamp the area, starting by renaming it Calvert Square. The historic Calvert Street was named after John Calvert, Sheriff of Norwich in 1741, and it is hoped that Calvert Square will become a far more distinctive part of the broader City Centre than Anglia Square has been.
Currently Anglia Square is set out in a courtyard shape and hosts a diverse selection of businesses including a specialist music store, charity shops, a fruit and veg. stall and a butchers. Visitors can find refreshment at the café, bakers or fairground style burger stalls. However, the area also consists of several pound shops and many people believe it looks desperately run down.
Approaching the Shopping Centre visitors have to walk through a massive, bleak, car park covered in graffiti. Inside, many offices and shops lay empty. The appearance and content of Anglia Square does nothing to entice people to leave Norwich's main shopping area, despite the fact they are a few minutes walk apart.
If plans are accepted Century Ashcroft LLP say visitors can expect to see an improved balance of successful businesses and shops, whilst local people will benefit from having a large supermarket within walking rather than driving distance away.
At the same time small, specialist stores will be designed to tempt people away from the city centre's traditional shopping area. Planned benefits to the City as a whole include 400 new homes, including family and affordable housing and new employment opportunities.
The developers say public transport will also be improved, Ranald Phillips explained: "Pedestrians will be able to take a direct route through Calvert Square into the centre of the city, while a new road is planned to connect Pitt Street and Edwards Street to relieve pressure and reduce pollution on St Augustine’s. Provision will also be made for extending the existing cycle routes."
If all goes to plan Calvert Square will be far more attractive to visit than Anglia Square. New green spaces will be created and it is hoped that the new safe and elegant open areas will be used for farmer's markets and outside entertainments.
Artistic features are also included in plans for the area, although Dr Ian Gibson, North Norwich MP, has added a note of caution: "I do think the redevelopment of Anglia Square will be a positive thing for the city,” he said. “But I would prefer to see a more exciting approach to the architecture, perhaps involving students from Norwich School of Art and Design."
If Century Ashcroft's plans are approved they hope to start work on the site during the summer of 2009 and they predict the project will take roughly three years to complete.
One concern regarding the development is the interruption to businesses whilst construction work takes place. However, Century Ashcroft responded: “During the construction process we hope to keep many of the existing shops open, relocating some of them when we can, to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.”
Katie Brinkley is the 24 Hour Museum/Norwich HEART Student Writer in Norwich. Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is the groundbreaking initiative to regenerate, manage and promote one of the most remarkable heritage resources in the UK and in Europe.
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