Revamp plans for listed Norwich buildings in Barrack Street

But this could soon no longer be the case after scaffolding was put up, suggesting the start of work is close.

In September 2019 permission was granted for the conversion, refurbishment and extension of 77-79 Barrack Street, which dates back to the early 19th century and was a fish and chip shop and kebab shop until around a decade ago.

77-79 Barrack Street is a grade II listed building (Image: Newsquest)

However, after four years the grade II listed buildings were left to decay as new properties sprung up around it and it looked like there were plans to demolish the buildings instead.

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The rumours have been quashed by Norwich City Council though, who confirmed: "The buildings are not going to be demolished.

"Consent was granted as part of the permission for the wider redevelopment of the Barrack Street site for them to be refurbished and brought back into use. 

The grade listed building has been left derelict for years, with windows smashed (Image: Newsquest)

"The buildings have significant structural issues and the developer has erected scaffolding around them to support it while work is being carried out, to both the buildings and the site, around them. 

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"Once completed, the listed buildings will be capable of a long-term, sustainable use that will ensure their retention and benefit the wider area."

Julie Brociek-Coulton, Labour councillor for the Sewell ward, said: "I've been quite worried about the buildings.

Julie Brociek-Coulton said she hopes something is done soon because they're now looking worse for wear (Image: Julie Brociek-Coulton)

"I was on the planning committee when permission was given to revamp the buildings but nothing has been done since.

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"I know they're very fragile buildings and are currently being held up with scaffolding.

"Hopefully something is done soon because they're now looking worse for wear."

Permission was granted in 2019 for the grade-listed building to be conversion, refurbishment and extension of the two buildings (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

Permission for the St James Quay scheme, including 218 homes, a 60-bedroom hotel and offices, was granted in 2007 on part of the former Jarrold printworks site.

However, while some offices and a bridge over the river were built, a slowdown in the housing market meant the homes took some time to follow, with the first phase completed in 2021.