Norwich’s Castle/Arcade District misses out on prize at national high street awards

The judge for the Great British High Street competition, Ed Cooke, centre, chats to Stefan Gurney, right, executive director of Norwich BID, and Phil Cutter, landlord of the Murderers, as the judge tours Timberhill. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The area, surrounding Norwich Castle and the Royal Arcade, had been shortlisted in the final three of the Great British High Street Awards 2016 city category.

It was nominated by the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID), which was hoping to continue the city's success in the awards after the Lanes were crowned victorious in 2014.

But at a ceremony earlier today, the Norwich district and a fellow finalist in Bristol lost out to the Cathedral Quarter in Derby.

The BID took to Twitter congratulate the winner, posting: 'Congratulations to @DerbyCQ for the City category! And well done all @TheGBHighSt #GBHighSt'

The Castle Arcade district map which could be shortlisted for the Great British High Street competition. Picture: NORWICH BID (Image: Archant)

Opening the awards, High Streets Minister Andrew Percy said: 'These awards are incredible, I think they are a real demonstration of how much support there is for our high streets and this year's awards are bigger and better than last year.

'Inevitably some of you will come out on top, I think the fact that you have made it to the finals at all is something you should all be very proud of.

'Thank you for all you are doing around the country to secure our high streets.'

He said the competition had this year seen a record number of votes.

Traders in Norwich Lanes have reported increased footfall in the area since the win, and said it has boosted pride in the city centre.

• See more in tomorrow's paper.

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