Lakenham Way

Share Lakenham Way on Facebook Share Lakenham Way on Twitter Share Lakenham Way on Linkedin Email Lakenham Way link

Lakenham Way is a 1.44km cycle and walking route that runs along the path of a former railway line between Sandy Lane and Brazengate in south Norwich. This traffic-free route offers a safe and enjoyable space for walking, running and cycling. As part of the city's wider network, it provides a convenient connection between Lakenham and the city centre. Beyond its recreational value, Lakenham Way is a haven for wildlife. The surrounding grassland and wildflower habitat also support a unique lizard colony, contributing to the area's biodiversity.

Improvement project

Norwich City Council is working with Sustrans and Norfolk County Council to make this valuable route even better. Sustrans own and manage Lakenham Way and the County Council looks after the lighting and surrounding highway network.

The City Council and Sustrans have some funding available over the next 16 months and the City Council is co-ordinating a project to make improvements with these funds. The starting point will be a Greenway Management Plan, produced by Sustrans, that will help us prioritise and decide what improvements to make with the limited funding available and set the framework for longer term maintenance activities and improvements.

The project over the next 16 months will include new wayfinding signs for people using the yellow pedalway between the city centre and Old Hall Road via Lakenham Way. It does not include work to the railway structures, which would be expensive and technical.

How to get involved

We are excited to hear your thoughts on how to improve this vital green corridor for walkers, cyclists and wildlife. The feedback will influence the project decision making process and the development of the Lakenham Way Greenway Management Plan. This will help shape the future of Lakenham Way for the next decade. Please share your thoughts through the survey below. Once you've finished, please add your ideas for improvements on our map of the Lakenham Way.

The consultation will close on Sunday 13 October 2024

Lakenham Way is a 1.44km cycle and walking route that runs along the path of a former railway line between Sandy Lane and Brazengate in south Norwich. This traffic-free route offers a safe and enjoyable space for walking, running and cycling. As part of the city's wider network, it provides a convenient connection between Lakenham and the city centre. Beyond its recreational value, Lakenham Way is a haven for wildlife. The surrounding grassland and wildflower habitat also support a unique lizard colony, contributing to the area's biodiversity.

Improvement project

Norwich City Council is working with Sustrans and Norfolk County Council to make this valuable route even better. Sustrans own and manage Lakenham Way and the County Council looks after the lighting and surrounding highway network.

The City Council and Sustrans have some funding available over the next 16 months and the City Council is co-ordinating a project to make improvements with these funds. The starting point will be a Greenway Management Plan, produced by Sustrans, that will help us prioritise and decide what improvements to make with the limited funding available and set the framework for longer term maintenance activities and improvements.

The project over the next 16 months will include new wayfinding signs for people using the yellow pedalway between the city centre and Old Hall Road via Lakenham Way. It does not include work to the railway structures, which would be expensive and technical.

How to get involved

We are excited to hear your thoughts on how to improve this vital green corridor for walkers, cyclists and wildlife. The feedback will influence the project decision making process and the development of the Lakenham Way Greenway Management Plan. This will help shape the future of Lakenham Way for the next decade. Please share your thoughts through the survey below. Once you've finished, please add your ideas for improvements on our map of the Lakenham Way.

The consultation will close on Sunday 13 October 2024

  • Project updates

    Share Project updates on Facebook Share Project updates on Twitter Share Project updates on Linkedin Email Project updates link

    Lakenham Way improvements begin - shaped by your feedback

    Following the launch of Sustrans’s Greenway Management Plan, developed with input from over 220 residents and community groups, we’re excited to announce the first phase of improvements to Lakenham Way.

    Starting in the first week of September, Norwich City Services Ltd will begin work on several upgrades that reflect the priorities you shared during the consultation:

    What’s changing?

    Vegetation and tree management

    • Clearing overgrown grass to restore the full path width and improve accessibility
    • Tree and shrub maintenance guided by ecological specialists to improve lighting and safety

    Seating

    • Up to 6 new benches at key points for rest and relaxation, especially for older users and families

    Litter bins

    • Four new bins along the route to help keep the area clean

    Improved access

    • Replacing worn steps and adding handrails at:
      • Hall Lane
      • St Johns Close

    Wayfinding and signage

    • New welcome signs at Brazen Gate and Sandy Lane
    • Improved wayfinding for the yellow pedalway, which includes Lakenham Way, to help new users navigate the route more easily

    These improvements are a direct response to what you told us: that Lakenham Way is valued for its nature, history, and role as a safe, car-free route. Your feedback shaped every part of this plan - from seating and bins to biodiversity and safety.

    We’re committed to keeping the route open during the works, with minimal disruption.

    Thank you for helping shape the future of Lakenham Way.

    🔗 Read more from sustrans below:

    https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/projects/upgrading-lakenham-way-a-greenway-for-everyone/
    https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-other-routes/lakenham-way-greenway/

    Lakenham Way improvements begin - shaped by your feedback

    Following the launch of Sustrans’s Greenway Management Plan, developed with input from over 220 residents and community groups, we’re excited to announce the first phase of improvements to Lakenham Way.

    Starting in the first week of September, Norwich City Services Ltd will begin work on several upgrades that reflect the priorities you shared during the consultation:

    What’s changing?

    Vegetation and tree management

    • Clearing overgrown grass to restore the full path width and improve accessibility
    • Tree and shrub maintenance guided by ecological specialists to improve lighting and safety

    Seating

    • Up to 6 new benches at key points for rest and relaxation, especially for older users and families

    Litter bins

    • Four new bins along the route to help keep the area clean

    Improved access

    • Replacing worn steps and adding handrails at:
      • Hall Lane
      • St Johns Close

    Wayfinding and signage

    • New welcome signs at Brazen Gate and Sandy Lane
    • Improved wayfinding for the yellow pedalway, which includes Lakenham Way, to help new users navigate the route more easily

    These improvements are a direct response to what you told us: that Lakenham Way is valued for its nature, history, and role as a safe, car-free route. Your feedback shaped every part of this plan - from seating and bins to biodiversity and safety.

    We’re committed to keeping the route open during the works, with minimal disruption.

    Thank you for helping shape the future of Lakenham Way.

    🔗 Read more from sustrans below:

    https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/projects/upgrading-lakenham-way-a-greenway-for-everyone/
    https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-other-routes/lakenham-way-greenway/

Page last updated: 15 Sep 2025, 12:16 PM