An important milestone has been reached in the regeneration of East Norwich, as its unique heritage is recognised through a review of its historical buildings.
The review, carried out by Historic England on behalf of the city council and partners, focuses on listing buildings on the Carrow Works and Deal Ground sites, which are key to the regeneration of East Norwich.
Public consultation carried out as part of the Stage 1 Masterplan for the East Norwich Regeneration showed heritage as a top priority and this review will help the sympathetic redevelopment of these important sites.
One of Norwich's eight Town Deal funded projects, the masterplan is central to driving forward the regeneration of this part of the city, which has the ambition to become a new urban quarter with the potential to deliver 4,000 new homes and 6,000 new jobs.
Councillor Mike Stonard, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for inclusive and sustainable growth, said: “This review by Historic England has shown just how important this area of the city is to Norwich’s rich heritage.
“It allows us to understand which buildings on these sites are of national importance and which are not – something that will ensure the emerging masterplan fully respects the heritage of the area.
“This should help us to create a genuinely unique, highly distinctive and sustainable quarter of Norwich. It is an important step forward with the masterplan and delivery of a key aspect of the Towns Fund regeneration programme.”
The Carrow works site was home to the famous Norwich manufacturer Colman’s for 160 years. It houses some of East Norwich’s most significant historic structures, such as the Grade I listed Carrow Abbey - a former Benedictine priory.
The Deal Ground comprises an extensive area of disused former industrial land and buildings.
The new listings include an upgrade for the ornate Victorian conservatory at Carrow House to Grade II* and Trowse Railway Station being given a Grade II listing. The Timber drying bottle kiln at Deal Ground has retained its Grade II listing and the following buildings have been given Grade II listings:
- 19th century engine house at Trowse Sewage Pumping Station
- Early 20th century engine house, boiler house and coal store at Trowse Sewage Pumping Station
A clarification to the listing details of both Carrow Abbey and Carrow House mean they retain their listings of Grade I and Grade II.
Caroline Skinner, Listing Team Leader, Historic England said: “I’m delighted that we’ve had the opportunity to explore and assess these remarkable heritage sites in East Norwich and to ensure the protection of this area’s very special industrial heritage. Thanks to the foresight of Norwich City Council, who involved Historic England in the early stages of the East Norwich Strategic Regeneration Area, these fascinating buildings can continue to tell an important story of a local industry that became a globally recognised brand, and the societal changes that took place in the town at this time.”
Work continues on Stage 2 of the Masterplan, with the consultant team led by Avison Young with Allies & Morrison focussing on issues relating to infrastructure, phasing, viability assessment and funding.
Read more on our East Norwich pages.
- More articles in the news archive
- Norwich City Council news RSS feed
