A new chapter for livestock trading in Norfolk
For generations, the livestock market has played a vital role in supporting farmers, traders, rural businesses, and the wider agricultural economy across the region.
Now, Norwich City Council is exploring an opportunity to create a modern livestock market fit for the future - designed around improved accessibility, enhanced animal welfare standards, and the long-term needs of the farming community.
A preferred site has been identified near the Food Enterprise Park at the A47 Compound site, with further consultation and investigation to follow before any final decision is made.
About
Supporting agriculture for generations to come
Until 2025, Norwich City Council had a legal duty to provide livestock market facilities within the council boundary. Following a successful change to legislation through an Act of Parliament, the council has now been granted permission to relocate a future livestock market outside of the city boundary.
This important change creates new opportunities to deliver a facility that better reflects the realities of modern farming, transport, trade, and animal welfare requirements.
Extensive surveys undertaken at the current Hall Road market site identified significant challenges, including the need for substantial repairs and limitations in meeting modern biosecurity and welfare expectations.
As a result, the council began exploring alternative locations capable of delivering:
- Improved infrastructure
- Better transport connectivity
- Enhanced animal welfare standards
- Modern operational facilities
- Long-term sustainability for market users
The aim is simple: to secure the future of livestock trading for the region while supporting the people and businesses who depend on it every day.
Why change Is needed
A facility built for modern standards
Agriculture and livestock trading have evolved significantly over recent decades.
Modern livestock markets require facilities that can safely and efficiently support:
- Biosecurity management
- Animal welfare compliance
- Efficient vehicle movement
- Safe visitor access
- Modern trading environments
- Sustainable long-term operation
Detailed assessments of the Hall Road facility highlighted that major investment would be required to bring the site up to current standards.
Relocation provides an opportunity to create a purpose-built facility designed around the needs of today’s agricultural sector and future generations.
The plan
Identifying the right location
The council undertook a comprehensive review of potential sites, considering a range of important factors including:
- Accessibility to major road networks
- Regional connectivity
- Suitability for livestock operations
- Proximity to existing market users
- Space for future development
- Environmental and operational considerations
The preferred location identified is the A47 Compound Site near the Food Enterprise Park.
The site was selected for its strategic location and strong transport connections, including convenient access to the A11 and A47, helping support traders, farmers, and visitors travelling from across the wider region.
Importantly, the proposed site also remains within 16 miles of the current Hall Road market.
At this stage, no final decision has been made.
Further technical investigations, planning work, and design development will continue throughout the next phase of the project.
Community and consultation
Your voice matters
Engaging with local communities, businesses, stakeholders, and market users will be a key part of the process.
Later this year, Norwich City Council will launch a comprehensive public consultation and engagement programme to gather views, answer questions, and help shape the future of the project.
This consultation will include:
- Public engagement events
- Stakeholder discussions
- Community feedback opportunities
- Updated project information and designs
- Ongoing communication through council channels
The council is committed to ensuring transparency throughout the process and welcomes constructive feedback from all interested parties.
The future
Building a livestock market for the next generation
The vision is to create a modern regional livestock market that supports:
- Norfolk’s rural economy
- Farming communities
- Agricultural innovation
- High animal welfare standards
- Sustainable long-term operations
- Improved accessibility across the region
By investing in modern infrastructure and future-focused design, the project aims to secure the long-term future of livestock trading while strengthening Norfolk’s role within the agricultural sector.
This is more than a relocation project - it is an opportunity to create a resilient, efficient, and future-ready market that can serve the region for decades to come.
Stay updated
Follow the project
This webpage will be updated regularly as the project progresses.
Further announcements, consultation details, and project updates will be shared through the council’s news pages and social media channels.
We encourage residents, businesses, and stakeholders to stay informed and take part in the conversation as plans continue to develop.
