The city council insists a £3.2m redevelopment project will be completed next month despite issuing orders to allow work to continue into June.

Previously the Hay Hill revamp was said to be on target to finish in May and a council spokesman said work was "progressing well" ahead of its reopening to the public.

But recent planning documents show the partial closures of Millennium Plain and Hay Hill are being extended until June 31.

With work having started last April, bringing significant disruption to a busy shopping area in the city centre, the city council have clarified what the plans mean.

A spokesman said: "Progress with the Hay Hill redevelopment is going well and we are on schedule to re-open Hay Hill at the end of May. 

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of the proposed Hay Hill revampAn artist's impression of the proposed Hay Hill revamp (Image: Norwich City Council)

"However, there are some aspects of the project which will run over into June to allow us to make good areas of the highway in the immediate vicinity.

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"Closures of the adjoining streets into June just ensures that if we need to, we can close off roads temporarily while this work takes place. 

"Our priority is the safety of the public, so we appreciate their understanding whilst these final steps are taken."

Norwich Evening News: Much of Millennium Plain and Hay Hill has been closed to pedestrians while work has been carried outMuch of Millennium Plain and Hay Hill has been closed to pedestrians while work has been carried out (Image: Newsquest)

Having secured £3.2m in government funding in late 2020, the council's revamp of Hay Hill will include improved seating, better-designed steps, plants and a water feature, creating a multipurpose events space.

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Workers broke ground last April following a month-long public consultation which saw the ambitious project positively received. 

The statue of Sir Thomas Browne has already been returned to the site but the accompanying sculptures, including the eye-catching brain, are being moved to Eaton Park.

The work is one of eight projects funded by the £25m Town Deal of levelling up funds secured, alongside work to The Halls and the Digi-Tech Factory at City College.