Exploring the Profile: Henrietta Billings
Norwich Embraces a Balanced Approach to Development
Norwich, one of Britain's most spectacular and underrated cities, is setting a new standard for development that harmoniously blends heritage, community, and growth. This approach was underscored at a recent conference organised by SAVE Britain's Heritage, which emphasised the importance of contextual design and preserving historic character.
The city council has taken a significant step by purchasing a site, the future of which is currently under debate. This acquisition presents an opportunity to build on and enhance Norwich's unique characteristics, attracting greater long-term investment and growth.
Professor Yolande Barnes and Sunand Prasad, RIBA past president, were among the speakers at the conference. Barnes spoke about the importance of distinctiveness in thriving places, while Prasad highlighted the quality and affordability of new homes in historic locations.
One example of successful development is the Stirling Prize-winning Goldsmith Street, a contemporary high-quality housing project developed by Norwich City Council. Another is the Friars Quay, which showcases the council's commitment to delivering sustainable, community-focused projects.
However, balancing heritage preservation, community interests, financial viability, and the pressure for housing and economic growth presents challenges. The winding up of the city's wholly-owned housebuilder after losses may complicate the delivery of development projects that harmonize with Norwich’s character.
Public consultation plays a key role in this process, ensuring developments reflect community values and needs. This was evident in the defeat of a 20-storey tower scheme in the city centre conservation area in 2020, thanks to a coalition including SAVE Britain's Heritage.
An alternative vision for Anglia Square was proposed by SAVE Britain's Heritage and Ash Sakula Architects, emphasising a street-based model instead of over-scaled city blocks or tower blocks. This approach prioritises preserving Norwich's human-scale urbanism and historic streetscape.
Norwich's distinctive historic character is critical to its appeal, particularly to young creatives and entrepreneurs. The city's diverse economy, with large-scale corporate finance, universities, a booming cultural and tourism scene, entrepreneurial, tech, and creative industries, further cements its appeal.
The upcoming development of Norwich Market, a central historic and cultural hub, is designed to maintain its unique heritage and communal atmosphere. This engagement with traders and the public ensures enhancements support both tradition and future viability.
In collaboration with developers and architects, Norwich City Council is working towards a more contextual vision for the city's future. With a substantial grant from Homes England for the site's development, it seems that Norwich is well on its way to achieving its ambitious five-year housing targets while preserving its unique character and vibrant community life.
- The city council's acquisition of a site presents an opportunity to not only enhance Norwich's unique character, but also to attract investment in the business sector, thereby contributing to the city's economic growth and lifestyle appeal.
- In the upcoming development of Norwich Market, home-and-garden elements will be considered to preserve its historic heritage while ensuring a vibrant and modern lifestyle space that caters to traders and the public alike.
