Temporary 'pop up' shops and food stalls could be created if Anglia Square shopping centre is revamped - in 40ft high shipping containers beneath the Magdalen Street flyover.

The developers behind the controversial proposals for the shopping centre have lodged a second application with Norwich City Council for a scheme they have dubbed 'Under The Flyover'.

It would see stripped and refitted shipping containers placed on space stretching from beneath the flyover to the nearby shops to the left of the entrance to Anglia Square.

Applicant Columbia Threadneedle is seeking permission for 18 containers to be placed in the area, which could be rented as shops or for food and drink sales.

Eastern Daily Press: An artist's impression for what the Under The Flyover scheme could look like. Photo: Columbia ThreadneedleAn artist's impression for what the Under The Flyover scheme could look like. Photo: Columbia Threadneedle (Image: Columbia Threadneedle)

They are seeking permission for the containers, some of which would be arranged over two floors, with a lift and stairs, for up to 10 years.

The developers say some of the tenants who would be displaced during work on the Anglia Square revamp could make use of the 'pop up' units, where there would also be a space left clear for temporary events and performances.

Chris Ward, of Columbia Threadneedle, said: 'Under the Flyover will be a vibrant and creative new space for Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: An artist's impression for what the Under The Flyover scheme could look like. Photo: Columbia ThreadneedleAn artist's impression for what the Under The Flyover scheme could look like. Photo: Columbia Threadneedle (Image: Columbia Threadneedle)

'The residents of Norwich will have a new place to eat, drink and shop and a venue for creative events that will complement the city's well-established culture of art, theatre and music.

'We will be encouraging local independent businesses, stores and pop-ups to join us at Under the Flyover. We are confident this will be an exciting new destination for the city and its community.'

Columbia Threadneedle is still waiting to hear whether Norwich City Council will agree its application, along with Weston Homes, for Anglia Square itself.

It would include up to 1,250 new homes, a 25-storey tower, dozens of shops, a 200-bed hotel, 600-space car park and pedestrianised areas.

Consultation closed in May, with more than 350 comments lodged, many from members of the public objecting to the scale of the development.

Historic England objected, saying three large blocks of up to 12 storeys and the 25-storey tower would be at odds with Norwich's 'unique heritage', while the Council for British Archaeology raised similar concerns.