Further funding given to redevelop ageing precinct

A council given millions of pounds of extra funding says it can "crack on" with plans for hundreds of new homes at the site of an ageing shopping centre.

Norwich City Council which purchased Anglia Square in December, has been given a further £19m from Homes England, bringing the total received from the government to £34m.

Mike Stonard, Labour leader of the council, said the funding would enable it to move forward with plans to demolish the site and build more than 1,000 homes.

"Norwich has always been innovative, progressive and has been at the vanguard of change over the years and now we are leading the way in building hundreds of new homes," he said.

Mr Stonard said the purchase of the complex was "an early Christmas present for the people of Norwich".

"Thanks to the government we have the funding to crack on and start building the new Anglia Square with hundreds of affordable homes for local people."

Along with paying for the site the council said the money will be used to cover the demolition costs and developing plans.

Last year it announced plans to buy the complex - which had been put up for sale for £8.5m - after a private developer's £300m regeneration plan collapsed.

The council leader said planning permission was already in place for about 1,100 homes, shops and a leisure space and the council was looking for a partner developer.

Demolition is due to take place in the spring and the council will work with traders and tenants to provide business and relocation support.

It also has plans to redevelop other parts of the city, including agreeing to spend about £740,000 to revamp the covered outdoor market.

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