Council gives early feedback on its most popular survey

The consultation on Get Talking Norwich was the platform’s most popular ever with over 2,800 responses.

Councillor Carli Harper, cabinet member for finance and major projects said: “We’ve had an amazing response which shows how important the market is to local people.”

The key findings from the survey reveal: 

• 70% voted for one of the three initial design concepts, while 30% of those surveyed wanted to see no change to the layout of the market.
• The most popular design concept was ‘central court’ (29%), followed by ‘small squares’ (22%) and then ‘arcade’ (19%).
• 62% of people (1,697 respondents) felt the market gateway concept would have a positive impact, with 1,242 saying it would “improve” the market and 455 saying it would “significantly improve” it.
• 67% of respondents (1,885 people) said they would spend more time at the market if there were more places to sit, especially covered areas for eating, resting and socialising.
• There was strong support for later opening hours, with over 50% of respondents saying they would visit between 5–7pm and 42.7% between 7–9pm.
• 1,587 respondents wanted to see live music at the market, along with support for better lighting, visible security, showcasing local art and family-friendly events.

These early views will be used to inform next steps on the future of the market. This will involve doing a detailed business plan, including costs on different options, ahead of any final decisions being made. Feedback on the potential loss of trading stalls will be taken into consideration – a concern raised in some survey responses – as part of the business planning. 

Cllr Harper added: “These early finding gives us food for thought. The main takeaway for me on this survey is that a large majority of respondents want to see some kind of change to the market.

“The challenge now is how we make Norwich Market even better and meet the needs of future consumers, address the views of market traders, ensuring the market retains its medieval magic while making it one of the best places for shoppers and tourists in Europe.”