Citizen magazine Summer 2024 - text version - Shaping the future of Norwich's livestock market

Shaping the future of Norwich's livestock market  

Hall Road in Norwich has been the location for local farmers to trade in the sale of cattle and sheep since the 1960s, acting as the base for the city’s livestock market for around 60 years or so.

Fast forward to 2024: while the council continues to have a legal obligation to provide a livestock market, it is looking at the possibility of relocating it outside the city’s boundary to better suit the needs of those it serves.

But a relocation outside the city boundary requires a change to the existing law on the provision of a livestock market in Norwich. As a result, the council is seeking to get the necessary change in law with the help of a legal expert who can guide us through the parliamentary process.  

Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, said: “We’d like to hear from all our communities throughout Norwich, and the wider region, about our proposals to relocate the livestock market.

“There are many really important factors to take on board when considering relocating this facility. A key aspect of this is the public consultation we are now doing so we can take lots of different views into account. Please do take a few minutes out of your busy days to tell us what you think.”

As one of the last livestock trading markets in the East Anglia region, the Hall Road site provides an important facility for famers across Norfolk, Suffolk and the wider East Anglia region.

Feedback from those most closely affected by the market confirmed a preference for a relocation outside the city boundary near major transport routes such as the A11 or A47.

Relocating the market to a new site outside the city boundary would maintain access to a local market, allow the introduction of new systems to meet new environmental requirements, reduce food miles, increase local food provenance, and increase food security at a time when there is more global uncertainty around food chains.

For more information visit GetTalking.norwich.gov.uk/LivestockMarket

The consultation is open for feedback until 9am on Monday 26 August.