Anglia Square: Weston Announces Commencement in 2024 for Norwich Project

Following the resolution to grant planning permission from Norwich City Council in April, Weston Homes has actively engaged with stakeholders to move the project forward. The final form of the Section 106 agreement with the council has been agreed upon, and the company is optimistic about obtaining full planning consent soon.

The proposed scheme, though contentious, aims to replace a 1960s shopping center with a modern development comprising 1,100 new homes. These residential buildings will range from three to eight stories and will be thoughtfully designed around inner courtyards, a public square, and a pedestrian precinct.

Previously, plans featuring a 20-storey tower were rejected by the former secretary of state, Robert Jenrick, despite a planning inspector supporting the scheme in a public inquiry. Subsequently, Weston Homes revised their plans for the 4.65-hectare (11.5-acre) project site.

Weston Homes is expecting an update on the project's status from Homes England by the end of this month. This will facilitate further collaboration with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC). The completion of these regulatory processes is anticipated by the end of October 2023, paving the way for Weston Homes to commence the redevelopment of Anglia Square in early 2024.

Once the planning approval is formalized, Weston Homes will assume ownership of the Anglia Square site from the current landowner, Columbia Threadneedle.

The initial phase of development will involve the demolition of the multi-story car park, which has remained unused since 2012. Subsequently, the cinema block is scheduled for demolition towards the end of 2024, followed by Sovereign House in 2026.

Throughout the construction period, the development is expected to create approximately 2,211 direct construction jobs, as stated by Weston Homes.