The redevelopment of Anglia Square has been a key issue in Norwich’s urban planning for over a decade. This central area was set for a major transformation, but in February 2024, developer Weston Homes officially withdrew from the £300 million project, citing:
✅ Delays in planning approvals
✅ Rising construction costs
✅ Regulatory uncertainty
The original plan included:
🏠 1,100 new residential units
🏢 A 20-story residential tower
🛍 Retail and leisure spaces
🌳 Public squares and green areas
With Weston Homes pulling out, the future of Anglia Square remained uncertain—until Norwich City Council stepped in.
🏡 The City Council Takes Over the Project
In December 2024, Norwich City Council acquired Anglia Square, presenting a revised plan focused on:
✔ Affordable housing
✔ Sustainable urban development
✔ Community-focused design
✔ Job creation
🔹 Key updates in the new plan:
🏠 1,100 homes across 12 blocks (2–8 stories)
🏬 Commercial and office spaces
🌳 Public squares and green corridors
❌ The 20-story tower has been scrapped
This approach aligns with the city’s broader goal of revitalizing Norwich’s city center while preserving its architectural heritage.
💰 Funding and Support
The updated project has received significant financial backing from Homes England, which will help:
🚀 Speed up planning and consultations
🏡 Increase the percentage of affordable housing
🔧 Upgrade infrastructure in surrounding areas
🏙 Why Anglia Square Matters to Norwich
The site is located at the intersection of:
📍 Historic Norwich (just north of the medieval city center)
🚆 Modern transport and retail hubs
📈 Increasing demand for housing
Its redevelopment is expected to:
✅ Ease housing demand
✅ Attract investment and new businesses
✅ Improve sustainability and walkability
✅ Create a vibrant mixed-use community
📊 Norwich Property Market (Q1 2025)
| 📌 Property Type | 💷 Average Price (£) |
|---|---|
| All Properties | £289,000 |
| Flats/Apartments | £174,000 |
| Terraced Houses | £243,000 |
| Semi-Detached | £278,000 |
| Detached Houses | £413,000 |
(Source: UK House Price Index, March 2025)
📈 Norwich continues to see steady growth, attracting first-time buyers, remote workers, and investors.
🔄 A National Trend: Transforming Shopping Centers into Housing
🏬 With the rise of online shopping, many UK shopping centers are being transformed into residential and mixed-use spaces.
🔎 According to The Guardian, over 100 shopping centers in the UK are currently under review for redevelopment.
🏗 What’s Next?
📅 Mid-2025 – Public consultations begin
📅 Late 2025 – Submission of revised planning application
📅 2026 – Construction begins (pending approval)
The city council has promised a transparent and community-driven process, ensuring local businesses and residents have a say in the final design.
✍ Conclusion: A New Chapter for Norwich
❌ The collapse of the original plan was a setback, but it also opened up an opportunity for a more sustainable and community-focused project.
With the city council now leading the way, Norwich has the chance to develop a landmark urban space that reflects its values, history, and future ambitions.
If successful, Anglia Square could serve as a national model for how UK cities can repurpose outdated commercial spaces into thriving, livable communities.
