Demolition of Anglia Square Set to Start This Year

Posted by UK Property Forums on 3rd July 2025 -

Long-awaited plans to demolish Norwich’s Anglia Square for a major mixed-use development look set to begin in Autumn.

The troubled redevelopment for up to 1,100 new homes, shops and leisure space, is set to move a step closer after councillors met to discuss the appointment of a contractor.

The Weston Homes plans, first approved in 2023, suffered a blow when the developer pulled out last year, prompting the council to buy the former shopping centre.

Cllr Carli Harper, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for finance and major projects, told the meeting: “The council has now secured vacant possession of the retail units and is currently out to tender for the selection of a demolition contractor with an award of contract imminent.

“It is anticipated that work will commence during the Summer, with works to strip out the interiors of the buildings first and demolition of the main structures to follow in the Autumn. Work is due to be completed by the end of March 2026.

“Linked to the demolition, the council is progressing arrangements for the disconnection, and diversion of existing utilities on the site, alongside planning for archaeology to be on site throughout the duration of demolition.”

The shopping centre, which opened in 1970 but fell into decline in recent years. It was bought by investment manager Threadneedle Investments for £7.5 million in 2014 and in 2018 developer Weston Homes came on board. Permission for redevelopment was granted in 2023 after a long-running planning wrangle.