Plans for a multi-million-pound housing development at a former shoe factory in the city centre are receiving strong support.
Revised plans for 54 three-storey homes and more than 25,000sqft of retail and office space at St George's Works, off Muspole Street, were revealed last month.
It came after plans submitted in 2021 to develop the former Norvic Shoe Company site, along with St Mary's Works in Duke Street, were put on hold after planning permission expired.
"We're really excited," said George Colley, co-owner of the neighbouring Weavers Arms pub.
"It would bring more people to the area, which would be good for us and other bars and restaurants.
"And it's also nice to see an empty space being utilised.
"We absolutely love it."
The site is among the city's most prominent derelict areas earmarked for housing, particularly after planning permission was finally secured for 1,100 homes at nearby Anglia Square earlier this year.
One of the area's three Green Party councillors, Jamie Osborn, said: "It is really good to see plans to build decent housing on a brownfield site like this, right in the beating heart of the city, with a design that is sympathetic to the history of the place.
"Green councillors are however concerned about the lack of affordable housing. There have been multiple developments in the city centre recently that do not provide sufficient affordable housing, which has to be a top priority."
The site's developers, Our Place, said in a planning application submitted to Norwich City Council that they felt the scheme would create jobs in the area while also retaining heritage assets.
It also argued a combination of refurbishment, redevelopment and new construction will allow the site to operate to its full potential.
"Alongside the student flat development that's happening in the same area, this is really good," said Michael Femi-Ola, operations manager of nearby Junkyard Market.
"This is Norwich's self-proclaimed creative quarter and it's a really up-and-coming space.
"I've got a lot of really good things to say about the developers too because they've looked after us - even when we first started back in 2016.
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"It's a big bit of space in a very desirable part of the city centre.
"Overall, I think this is going to be very cool."
So far, the city council has received a total of 23 supportive public comments and just three objections.
Those opposing the project have raised concerns about an increase in noise and airborne pollution from the site.
Others argue it would be a "significant erosion of the historic character of the area".
On the other hand, those in favour of the development - which range from business owners to local homeowners - have argued it is "just what Norwich needs".
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"This proposal will improve the appearance of the area and improve the footfall for local businesses," one person wrote.
"The plans are necessary to attract businesses and top quality talent to work, live and contribute to the local community," another added.
A tenant of the area for seven years also encouraged those opposing the plans to consider the long-term benefits.
"The short-term pain to local residents is in stark contrast to the improvements these buildings will bring to the area," they argued.
"This area is long overdue for renovation and upgrading. The developer has always been sympathetic to the heritage of buildings and the area and would expect nothing less from them on this occasion."
Changes from Our Place's first application include verticle terraced houses replacing large horizontal buildings on the edge of Muspole Street, while its courtyard has been redesigned to make it less "car-dominated" and regimented.
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Our Place has promised significant environmental investment and a solar microgrid which it hopes will reduce energy costs for those living and working there.
Work will see the site's central depository transformed into an "industrial-style" workspace with the development's main entrance located under the existing tower.
A new building will also be built close to the Weavers Arms and St George Colegate church to act as a gateway for the site, while adding a public square close to the pub's beer garden.
If approved by the city council work is expected to be complete by 2027.
A history of St George's Works
The main building at St George's Works is the former depository for the Norvic Shoe Company, which once played a major role in the Fine City's shoe industry.
It was owned by Howlett and White, which also operated the large mercantile-style factory opposite, in Colegate.
Throughout the 19th century, the firm specialised in women's shoes and built up a global export trade that saw shipments sent to areas including Australia, China and South America.
During both world wars the factory produced footwear for the allies, including shoes for the Navy and fur-lined boots for the RAF.
Following a series of financial difficulties, the factory closed its doors in October 1981 before the company ceased trading in October 1982.
Since then, St George's has become a hub for more than 50 start-ups and small businesses, with many plying their trade in the creative or technology sectors.
The depository has remained largely unused, except for occasional specialised reasons.
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