The future of Norwich Market

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Norwich Market is a vibrant and historic landmark in the heart of our city. As one of the UK’s oldest and largest open-air markets, it’s a special space, full of character and community.

Our aim is to ensure Norwich Market continues to thrive and can better meet the needs of traders, visitors and our wider community into the future. We are exploring some potential upgrades to the market and its surroundings, while preserving its unique history and cultural strengths. We will work closely with traders, partners and the public.

We have been talking with traders and visitors to understand what people love and what could be improved. This has helped us understand how the market is currently working and where we could focus efforts to improve the space.

Now, it's your turn to join the conversation. The survey below is your chance to share your feedback and thoughts on potential upgrades and three initial design concepts. We are exploring three design concepts.

  1. Arcade - a main pathway through the market
  2. Small squares - a series of small open spaces within the market
  3. Central court - one single larger space within the market

The survey will also cover navigation, comfort and shelter, opening hours and safety and other improvements and your ideas.

Your feedback will directly inform our design ideas. This is the first step in a longer, collaborative journey. Want to stay in the loop and participate in future opportunities to have your say? Sign up for project updates on this page.

Please share your thoughts through the survey below. It closes at 11pm on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

Norwich Market is a vibrant and historic landmark in the heart of our city. As one of the UK’s oldest and largest open-air markets, it’s a special space, full of character and community.

Our aim is to ensure Norwich Market continues to thrive and can better meet the needs of traders, visitors and our wider community into the future. We are exploring some potential upgrades to the market and its surroundings, while preserving its unique history and cultural strengths. We will work closely with traders, partners and the public.

We have been talking with traders and visitors to understand what people love and what could be improved. This has helped us understand how the market is currently working and where we could focus efforts to improve the space.

Now, it's your turn to join the conversation. The survey below is your chance to share your feedback and thoughts on potential upgrades and three initial design concepts. We are exploring three design concepts.

  1. Arcade - a main pathway through the market
  2. Small squares - a series of small open spaces within the market
  3. Central court - one single larger space within the market

The survey will also cover navigation, comfort and shelter, opening hours and safety and other improvements and your ideas.

Your feedback will directly inform our design ideas. This is the first step in a longer, collaborative journey. Want to stay in the loop and participate in future opportunities to have your say? Sign up for project updates on this page.

Please share your thoughts through the survey below. It closes at 11pm on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

  • Project update

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    Council gives early feedback on its most popular survey Early headline findings have been released by Norwich City Council on its future of Norwich Market survey. The consultation on Get Talking Norwich was the platform’s most popular ever with over 2,800 responses. Councillor Carli Harper, cabinet member for finance and major projects said: “We’ve had an amazing response which shows how important the market is to local people.” The key findings from the survey reveal: 70% voted for one of the three initial design concepts, while 30% of those surveyed wanted to see no change to the layout of the market. The most popular design concept was ‘central court’ (29%), followed by ‘small squares’ (22%) and then ‘arcade’ (19%). 67% of respondents (1,885 people) said they would spend more time at the market if there were more places to sit, especially covered areas for eating, resting and socialising. 1,587 respondents wanted to see live music at the market, along with support for better lighting, visible security, showcasing local art, and family-friendly events. These early views will be used to inform next steps on the future of the market. This will involve doing a detailed business plan, including costs on different options, ahead of any final decisions being made. Feedback on the potential loss of trading stalls will be taken into consideration – a concern raised in some survey responses – as part of the business planning. “The main takeaway for me on this survey is that a large majority of respondents want to see some kind of change to the market. “The challenge now is how we make Norwich Market even better and meet the needs of future customers, address the views of market traders, ensuring the market retains its medieval magic while making it one of the best places for shoppers and tourists in Europe.” To read about the survey findings in detail visit GetTalking.norwich.gov.uk Cllr Carli Harper – cabinet member for finance and major projects "The main takeaway on this survey is that a large majority of respondents want to see some kind of change to the market."

Page last updated: 24 Sep 2025, 12:35 PM