Norwich Market revamp plans backed by city in consultation

The consultation found strong support for the planned changes at the 900-year-old market, which includes creating a covered seating area, improvements to toilets and new storage areas for traders.

This included 74pc of people wanting measures to tackle the large pigeon population, which traders say is causing a nuisance to customers.

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

Carli Harper, cabinet member for major projects at the Labour-controlled authority, praised the results of the survey at a City Hall meeting on Tuesday night.

"Norwich Market is one of our most treasured sites and this vision will reimagine the market while protecting its historic character.

"This consultation shows exceptionally strong support for the plans."

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

Following the meeting, she added: "It’s clear we’ve got massive support for the general thrust of our plans to make our medieval market among the best not only in the UK but Europe.

“We will address people’s concerns and will move fast to finalise the proposals which will retain our market’s historic character while making it fit for the future so it can attract shoppers and tourists from all over East Anglia, England and beyond.”

Following the consultation, City Hall will continue to progress with the plans.

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

While the survey has shown strong support, the changes, which will require some market traders to move their stalls, has been met with a backlash.

Some stallholders have said they worry creating the covered seating area in the centre could lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour, as it will provide an area for people to congregate.

The concerns follow incidents at the nearby Hay Hill, which is now having to be regularly monitored by the police due to growing problems there.

City Hall plans to install increased CCTV cameras on the market to deter troublemakers.