Plans to create a ‘container village’ in Magdalen Street car park were given the thumbs up at Norwich City Council’s planning committee yesterday (24 July).
The proposals from Meanwhile Creative will see a thriving meanwhile space, named St Saviours Yard, comprising 86 containers at the site which will offer an eclectic retail and leisure offer plus workspaces for business start-ups, makers and creatives.
Councillor Carli Harper, cabinet member for finance and major projects said: “I am really looking forward to seeing St Saviours Yard up and running. With the addition of the container village Magdalen Street is set to become a buzzing part of the city.”
Fred Wyatt, founder at Meanwhile Creative said: “At Meanwhile Creative, we know that the world of small business is changing. Nationwide there is a shortage of suitable and affordable commercial workspace offering startups, makers and creatives the necessary flexibility to grow and try new things. Whether that flexibility is to grow and shrink or how they adapt and use the space, our aim is to accommodate everyone.”
The new meanwhile space is part of wider plans to redevelop Anglia Square and yesterday’s decision follows news last week of a new investment partnership between the council and Aviva Capital Partners.
Ben Luckett, Chair of Aviva Capital Partners and Norwich Community Ambassador, said: “The regeneration of Anglia Square is an important moment for Norwich, and we’re proud to be supporting a development that reflects the city’s vibrant future. The introduction of a box park-style container village is an exciting first step, bringing together small businesses, creatives and entrepreneurs.”
Work will now begin to prepare St Saviours car park ready to host the box park, which is expected to open its doors in the autumn.
For more information on the container village go to www.stsavioursyard.co.uk.
