Hay Hill, formerly the marketplace for hay and other goods brought in from the surrounding countryside, is now one of the largest urban open spaces in the city centre and is a key public space on the route between Chantry Place and Norwich Market. Hay Hill’s position in the city means it has huge potential and we want to make sure we make the very best use of this space to benefit the city as a whole.
Aims of the Hay Hill project:
- Create a reimagined, vibrant and accessible open space within the city centre.
- Transform the space so that it can be used for events and cultural activities.
- Improve walking links between Norwich Market, Millennium Plain, Gentleman’s walk and Chantry Place.
- Attract investment and boost the visitor economy by improving the quality and look of the area.
Progress so far
Public consultation
We carried out a public consultation between Monday 28 February and Friday 25 March 2022 – thanks to everyone who took part. See consultation feedback and responses.
On-going stakeholder consultation and engagement
As part of our public engagement, it’s vital we understand the needs and thoughts of our stakeholders. We’ve been working directly with those in and around the Hay Hill area, groups with a particular interest in the project, and accessibility groups.
Read about our plans to relocate the smaller sculptures on Hay Hill following public consultation and stakeholder involvement.
Detailed design phase
This is the really exciting part! Our landscape architects together with the design team developed new designs based on the consultation and stakeholder feedback.
They have produced some visualisations from the 3D model they have been working with to show what the changes to Hay Hill could look like.
We also created tactile and a scale model specifically for engagement with the blind and partially sighted to communicate the layout and discuss design features or alterations to help make the space accessible to as many people as possible.
The models have been well received and the design team are continuing to develop the detailed elements of the design in liaison with stakeholders.
Work begins
Construction works started in April 2023 and are on track to be completed in spring 2024.
The sculptures that were previously on Hay Hill have now been removed and the city council is working to find a new city-centre home for them. The statue of Thomas Browne has already returned to Hay Hill, taking up a more prominent position in the final design.
The city council continue to work closely with the Business Improvement District, local businesses and events organisers to minimise disruption during the construction and ensure that the city centre remains fully accessible.
