Norwich City Council acquires Anglia Square from Columbia Threadneedle
Norwich City Council has acquired Anglia Square Shopping Centre from Columbia Threadneedle Investments, as the local authority takes a step forward in revitalising part of the city.
The purchase marks a milestone in plans to transform Anglia Square into a vibrant and modern hub, with the council looking to deliver around 1,100 new homes, business opportunities, and jobs.
The site was acquired after a number of years of uncertainty surrounding the site and several failed redevelopment attempts. The acquisition was completed with support from Homes England, which Norwich City Council credits as being crucial in facilitating the purchase.
The site became available earlier this year after Weston Homes abandoned its development plans, despite securing planning consent.
Councillor Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council said: “The council has grasped this golden opportunity on behalf of the people of Norwich to bring a bright new future to Anglia Square and ensure it’s developed as quickly as possible to benefit the people of Norwich. We are now in the driving seat to create a new Anglia Square with affordable homes, diverse retail and leisure outlets, a new neighbourhood centre, and well-paid jobs for local people.”
Pauline Schaffer, director of infrastructure funding at Homes England, added: “Anglia Square is an example of Norwich City Council’s ambition to revitalise the city centre and repurpose brownfield land into new homes for the local community. This key regeneration area for Norwich, has the potential to have a huge transformational impact on the city. We have worked closely with the council to support the successful acquisition; this shows how investment from Homes England is helping to unlock new homes and thriving places people can be proud of.”