Chapelfield Gardens, a treasured city open space – photo © Julian Swainson

 

 

Retaining, refreshing and renewing the city centre and its public spaces is the subject of a new document, which brings together all the planned changes to streets, squares and public gardens over the next five years.

The city centre public space plan, which has been approved by cabinet, sets out the improvements the council expects to see in the city centre as a result of projects carried out by developers, the city and county councils.

Planned projects include enhancing squares and public gardens, improving traffic management and lowering car emissions, and creating new walking and cycling connections to promote liveability, connectivity and fairness – all key aspects of the 2040 City Vision.

Some of the projects in the plan are already underway, such as reinstating the east side of Tombland as a public space and the riverside space at Duke Street being created by the Norwich University of the Arts, while others are awaiting funding.

This document will play a key role in attracting investment for the projects and has already supported the submission of the ambitious Norwich Investment Plan, which aims to secure a £25.2m share of the government’s Town Fund scheme.

Cllr Mike Stonard, cabinet member for sustainable and inclusive growth said: “The council’s long-standing commitment to promote sustainable transport and create quality public spaces is more important than ever as we seek to restore the local economy and attract people back into the city centre – key priorities in our Covid-19 Recovery plan.

“By publishing this public space plan we hope to enthuse residents, visitors and funders about the positive future for the city – something which is very much needed in this difficult time.”