A multi-million-pound plan to transform part of a Norwich shopping centre has entered its final stages with the food quarter set to open next year.

The new Castle Mall food quarter, which has been named The Terrace, will have six new units and links Timber Hill to Norwich Castle.

In recent weeks, shoppers in the city will have noticed large boards going up around the site and at the front of the Vue Cinema entrance to the mall with posters stating 'New restaurants, opening early 2017'.

A spokesman for Castle Mall confirmed that work on The Terrace was in full swing and due to be completed some time between spring and summer next year.

It is hoped the development will bring with it major improvements to the retail and leisure offerings not only to the shopping centre but for the whole city as well.

Castle Mall manager Amanda Phillips said: 'The Terrace will add another dimension to what's on offer at Castle Mall creating a dedicated area where shoppers can relax and enjoy the dining experience throughout the day into the evening.

'The improvements will also provide a long term boost to the centre's retailers, the Vue cinema and the local independent traders close by on Timber Hill.'

She added that with 10 million visitors each year and host to 70 retailers, Castle Mall is of key importance to Norwich city centre and the recent developments secure and strengthen this status.

As previously reported, work on The Terrace is just part of a major makeover which has included the construction of a new back of the Inns entrance to the shopping centre with a bespoke sculptural fascia.

In April 2014, it was reported how Norwich City Council backed a £1m investment project to revamp the Castle Mall entrance after previous designs were rejected.

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