Norwich City Hall redevelopment options will be brought in front of the local council’s scrutiny committee next week.
The report sets out opportunities to transform the Grade II listed historic building, which could bring more than £102m in economic benefit to the city.
The first option would see the building refurbished to provide better public access, fit for purpose council office space, grade-A lettable space and event and conference opportunities. The second option would go a step further by adding an extension to the rear for office, hotel or residential use. This option also proposes a new, publicly accessible, landscaped courtyard to the rear and improvements to the public spaces around City Hall.
Both options recommend that Norwich City Council business and its civic activities would remain at City Hall, which has been the seat of local government in Norwich since 1938.
Architect firm Hawkins\Brown has been working with the council to develop the report.
Mike Stonard, council leader, said: “This could be an opportunity for the council to create a future for the building that has far wider benefits for the city. We know we must make best use of the building to provide inclusive and accessible services and allow council colleagues to work in a more open and modern way.
“The report also considers how we could create these benefits whilst reducing the environmental impact of the building and moving us closer to our net zero targets.
“Right now we are developing feasibility and concepts and are not just assuming what the public will want as the project is at a much earlier stage than that. If it goes to the next stage of business case development there would be engagement with stakeholders including residents, businesses, partners and the voluntary and creative sector.”
Image © Norwich City Council
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