One of Britain's oldest markets set for revamp

A council is set to spend £740,000 on initial plans to redevelop one of Britain's oldest markets.

Norwich City Council said "ageing infrastructure" and "environmental issues" meant Norwich market currently "fails to maximise its full potential".

The authority has proposed exploring a range of "transformational" plans, which could include new opportunities for trading, and introducing new shopping zones and Italian-style piazzas.

The council's cabinet will meet on Wednesday to discuss its next steps.

"[The market] does need a revamp, but if it had been maintained well enough it wouldn't be needed," said clothes trader Heather Lovering, 56.

"The market is busy, it's thriving, the traders are very happy to be on here, so does it really need it? I don't know."

Norwich market has been at its current home in the heart of the city for more than 900 years and is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the UK.

The last major shake-up was in 2006 when temporary structures were replaced with ones with permanent metal roofs.

In a report published on the council's website, the authority said "environmental nuisances, like pigeons" and "spatial limitations" threatened the market's future operation and sustainability, and transformation was needed.

Shoppers Duncan and Joan MacInnes, both 75 and from Norwich, believed a major revamp would be excessive.

"I wouldn't want anything done that changes the vibe of the place," said Mrs MacInnes.

"It's vibrant, there are loads of different stalls here that you don't get anywhere else."

Mr MacInnes added: "I think there are things they could do in the short term, like opening the toilets on a Sunday and helping move on the pigeons."

The council said it wanted to create a "vibrant, inclusive, and thriving hub of commerce and community" that appealed to tourists and the local community.

"As a catalyst for business growth and a beacon of inspiration, the market will stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of Norwich," a statement in the report added.

On Wednesday, councillors will seek to approve £260,000 to fund design and the construction cost of smaller-scale improvements.

Ambitious designs would be funded by a further £480,000 from council reserves, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Construction could begin in 2026.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.