Major plans to regenerate a gateway to the city centre have been revealed. 

Whitbread, the parent company of Premier Inn, is launching a public consultation on its plans to re-develop its Nelson Hotel site in Prince of Wales Road. 

Norwich Evening News: The Premier Inn in Prince of Wales RoadThe Premier Inn in Prince of Wales Road (Image: Google Maps)

The proposals would see the space - which currently consists of the hotel, the Nelson Table Table restaurant and several unused commercial units - demolished and replaced with a larger Premier Inn, purpose-built accommodation for students and new homes. 

Those behind the project say they hope to create an "improved gateway" to Norwich from the station, including a public plaza.

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of the siteAn artist's impression of the site (Image: Sheppard Robson)

The masterplan, designed by principal architect Sheppard Robson, also seeks to improve accessibility into the site from Prince of Wales Road and "enhance" the river walkway facing the rail station.

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Richard Pearson, senior development manager for Whitbread, said: “I’m looking forward to showing our neighbours, stakeholders and Norwich residents our plans for the Norwich Nelson site.

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of river viewAn artist's impression of river view (Image: Sheppard Robson)

"The location can deliver more than it does currently and we’re proposing to make a substantial investment in a new masterplan which will deliver a new, better Premier Inn hotel as well as other appropriate uses."

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The site was occupied by the Great Eastern Hotel until it was demolished in 1963. 

The Nelson was built in its place in 1971.

The public can share their views on the plans via a public survey at norwichnelson.co.uk.

Public exhibitions will also be carried out on February 7 and 10 at the hotel.

Norwich Evening News: A public consultation will be carried out on the plansA public consultation will be carried out on the plans (Image: Sheppard Robson)

Mr Pearson added: “The development gives us a wonderful opportunity to make more of the site and our architect and landscape architects have worked hard to create a development proposal that connects with its surroundings, is accessible and gives back to Norwich through an enhanced river walkway and improved views from Norwich Station towards the Castle and city centre.

"My team and I have been working on the proposals for many months and by getting involved in the consultation now, people will be able to learn about our plans and provide feedback to help feed into the developing designs."