Setting the scene
Norwich Market is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the oldest continually operating markets in the country. It has been at the heart of Norwich for over 900 years, offering a wide range of goods, food and services from its colourful stalls.
Over time, the market has faced a number of practical challenges. Ageing infrastructure, leaking gutters, worn shutters, outdated facilities and issues around cleanliness, pigeons and anti‑social behaviour have all made it harder for traders and visitors to get the best experience.
The focus of the regeneration project is to protect what people love about the market - its heritage, atmosphere and independent traders - while making it easier, safer and more appealing for everyone to use.
Updates
Strong public support for improvements
A major consultation carried out in late 2025 showed that residents, visitors and traders overwhelmingly support the plans to improve the market.
- Nearly 8 in 10 respondents support the proposed new layout and new stalls at the rear.
- 86% support improvements to the toilets, with a focus on cleanliness, safety (including CCTV and attendants) and more inclusive facilities
- People strongly supported better lighting, CCTV and maintenance to deal with pigeons, litter and anti‑social behaviour
- Many welcomed clearer signs and maps, although some preferred a more heritage‑sensitive approach rather than a large gateway sign
More than 3,500 people took part in the consultation, making it the biggest single‑theme consultation the council has ever carried out.
Read the consultation findings
What the improved market will include
Feedback from the public and market traders has directly shaped the plans.
The regeneration aims to introduce:
- A clearer, easier‑to‑navigate layout
- A redesigned layout will make the market more accessible, reduce congestion and help people find stalls more easily
- A new covered seating area
- A large sheltered seating space will make the market more comfortable in all weather and support food traders as well as events and community activities
- Upgraded toilet facilities
- Toilets will be refurbished to improve hygiene, safety and accessibility.
- Improved signs and wayfinding
- New maps and colour‑coded aisles will make it easier for visitors to find their way around, with designs being refined to match the market’s heritage
- Better lighting, CCTV and maintenance
- Upgrades will improve safety, reduce anti‑social behaviour and tackle cleanliness and pigeon problems
- The Undercroft will be repurposed as trader storage, freeing up stall space and improving day‑to‑day operation
What’s next
Design refinement (current stage) - the project team is using public and trader feedback to refine the final designs.
Trader engagement - In April 2026, we are inviting every trader to a one‑to‑one meeting so we can listen to their experiences and plans, understand what support they need, and make fair, well‑informed decisions that protect the long‑term future of Norwich Market.
Planning application - a planning application for the preferred design is expected to be submitted by autumn 2026
Construction - if approved, work could begin later in 2026. The market will remain open throughout the works, with changes phased to minimise disruption.
