Proposals to move the existing livestock market to a new location outside the city’s boundary have taken another step forward after a key vote by councillors.
The cross-party and unanimous vote at a council meeting on 18 December means plans to find a suitable alternative location have full support in order to take things forward.
Norwich's current livestock market has been trading on a site close to Hall Road since the 1960s and is now one of the last trading markets within East Anglia.
With around 600 livestock farms across Norfolk, Norwich livestock market provides an important facility for farmers from across Norfolk, Suffolk and the wider East Anglia region.
The city council has two legal obligations regarding the livestock market – to provide a livestock market and to host it within the city council’s boundary.
While the council will continue to have a legal obligation to provide a livestock market, it is seeking a change in the law to be able to lift the geographical restriction so it can be relocated outside the city’s boundary at a more suitable location.
As leaseholder of the current 3.25 acre site, the council is responsible for most of the repair liability. Detailed surveys have shown the repair work is extensive – including demolition of a former auction building, asbestos removal across the site, refurbishing the current auction building and major work to the parking areas and roadways.
This is expected to cost up to £3m and means further investment in the site would not provide value for money.
Mike Stonard, leader of the council, said: “This ringing endorsement means we can continue with our plans to get legal permission to relocate the market. The livestock market makes a significant and valued contribution to the local economy and supports a whole range of livelihoods connected to it.
“We are now in the process of looking at alternative sites that will better suit the modern day demands of all those who depend on us to provide such an important facility.”
As the council has a statutory responsibility to maintain a livestock market, a relocation outside the city boundary requires an amendment to the existing 1984 act. This can be achieved by way of a new private bill.
The parliamentary journey to seek a change in the law is expected to take up to 12 months. A more detailed business case for a new facility is being worked through.
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