The Memorial Gardens Restoration Project

First look at new design for the Memorial Gardens
04/02/08

Artist chosen for Memorial Gardens commemorative feature 04/04/08

Exhibition of designs for Memorial Gardens
19/06/08

Norwich City Council is working on a complete £2.6 million restoration of Norwich's war memorial and memorial gardens.

The planned revamp will give the structure, at the top of Norwich Market Place, an expected life of 100 years as well as turning the memorial so it faces St Peters Street. The work is expected to be completed in 2010.

The council reluctantly closed the gardens to the public from November 2004, after engineers identified defects within the supporting structure. These weakened it to the point where it was dangerous to allow uncontrolled crowds to gather on it. Some planned and marshalled events like the Remembrance Sunday ceremony have been allowed to take place, subject to crowd loading restrictions.

Background
The Memorial Gardens were built in 1938 and were part of the City Hall scheme, designed by CH James and SR Pierce. Like City Hall, they are a Grade II listed structure.

The gardens occupy a terrace linking the Guildhall with St Peter Mancroft and creating a formal setting for City Hall. They were designed as an oasis of peace looking out over the market place at the heart of the city centre and were originally enclosed with walls and gates.

They were created as a setting for the war memorial, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. This was relocated from the lower end of the Guildhall, where it was originally unveiled in 1928.

The layout of the gardens includes raised planting areas, custom-built seats, lighting and flagpoles with sculpted bronze bases depicting peace and plenty. The gardens and the memorial are a focal point for civic and remembrance services and a unique and popular gathering place in the city centre.

The frequently asked questions below will hopefully be helpful and informative but if you would like to know more about the project or talk about any concerns you have, please contact project manager Gary Thompson, by writing to:

Asset and City Management
St Giles House
27 St Giles Street
Norwich
NR2 1NH
or calling 01603 213464, faxing 01603 213546 or emailing garythompson@norwich.gov.uk

Frequently asked questions