Norwich market traders and visitors give revamp verdict

Stall holders and visitors have given their verdict on City Hall's plans to regenerate Norwich Market in what could be its biggest shake-up for two decades.

Toilets will be refurbished, more stalls opened and storage space will be created in the Undercroft as part of the plans.

The toilets on Norwich market (Image: Owen Sennitt)

One of the biggest changes will be a covered seating area, which has caused major concern for some long-running businesses who will have to move to make way for it.

REVEALED: Transformation plans for Norwich Market

A new covered area could be created inside Norwich Market as part of the plans (Image: Norwich City Council)

But while it was always going to cause some controversy, for the most part people seem excited about the prospect of being able to eat their chips under cover - away from swooping seagulls and pigeons.

Ruby Shwericke, 18, said: "The market needs more seating areas for people. People come here on their lunch break but they have to walk with their food as there is no space."

Demi Lin, who runs Double Tree Baking (Image: Newsquest)

Demi Lin, who runs the Double Trees bakery, said: "It does need a seating area to stop the pigeons from taking food - it is a hygiene issue."

Lesley and David Fisher, 70 and 71, who were visiting from Lowestoft, added: "Seems a good idea, as long as they don't spoil the tradition of the market. Keeping the roof of the seating area may be difficult - the pavilion in Lowestoft gets covered in seagull mess."

Norwich Market is getting overrun with pigeons due to food scraps (Image: Denise Bradley)

Several traders were positive about the changes and hope the plans will bring more footfall to the market in the long run.

Andi Skenderi, 37, who runs the Italian Street Food stall, said: "I like the changes, hopefully it will make the market busier as people will have a place to sit. At the moment, there is nowhere for people to go when it rains."

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Andi Skenderi (left) and his colleague at the Italin Street Food stall in Norwich Market (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Callum Wiley, 33, who has run CJ's Fruit and Veg stall for 10 years, said: "The plans seem good but there are some things that need to be amended. It may cause hardship for some people who may have to move their stalls.

"There are lots of things that need to be done, such as issues with the toilets and the pigeons."

Callum Wiley, 33, of CJ's Fruit and Veg (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Carole Black, of Norwich Goldsmiths, said: "There is a huge pigeon infestation. Years ago before they had tables people ate food on top of the bins, people need to be treated with respect.

"Currently, I direct people away from the public toilets, they are a disgrace."

Designs for the Norwich Market revamp have been released (Image: Norwich City Council)

While many people appear pleased with the proposals, stall holders in the central part of the market may have to move to make way for the seating area.

It has left them worrying for their future and they feel frustrated about the process so far.

Rob Butcher, of Ron's Fish and Chips (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Rob Butcher, who runs Ron's Fish and Chips, is one of the stalls affected.

He said: "It has been an absolute disgrace. At first we were told the middle row would not be taken out but now they are doing that.

"I don't know what my future is any more, they have taken away my ability to sell the business.

"The consultation felt like a tick-box exercise as they are still doing what they want to do. It is a complete farce.

"I worry it will be the final nail in the coffin."

Ella Jakaj, who runs Reggie's café on the market (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Ella Jakaj, who runs Reggie's café, said: "It is very sad as we will have to move. We don't know what will happen."

Amid the criticism, Carli Harper, cabinet member for major projects, insists the scheme will bring improvements and that there will be no reduction in stalls.

She said: "There have been a small number of traders who have been vocal about not wanting any structural changes at all but doing nothing is not an option.

"Some stalls will not survive many more winters if we do not take any action."

Carli Harper, cabinet member for major projects (Image: Labour Party)

Ms Harper added the building work will be done in phases to avoid disruption, so as much of the market can stay open as possible.

Work could begin by 2027, if plans are approved in autumn next year.