People are being urged to back an initiative to boost the economy and profile of the area around Norwich Cathedral – and help it mirror the success of the city's Lanes area.
The Norwich Lanes was recently valued as having an economic worth of �17m by The New Economic Foundation following a similar initiative created by the Heritage, Economic and Regeneration Trust (Heart).
The Norwich Cathedral Quarter Steering group called on businesses to show their support for a scheme which aims to improve the number of jobs, visitors and the amount of money spent in the area.
Moves have been made to mirror the success of the Lanes by installing heritage signs, plaques and creating guided tours around the Cathedral Quarter.
But the steering group wants to take the initiative further by creating a stronger profile for this historical part of the city, which includes Elm Hill, Tombland, Princes Street, the Cathedral Close and Bishopgate.
Michael Loveday, pictured right, chief executive of Heart, said ideas had already been put forward to organise a festival or make it the arts quarter of Norwich.
He said: 'What we want to try and do is stop people thinking that it is just an area for the cathedral and make them see that there are other assets to enjoy.
'Elm Hill is a good example of somewhere which is often overlooked. We want to make it a destination where shoppers want to go.' The Cathedral Quarter aims to attract visitors by developing a recognisable area, getting the support of local businesses, extending the time spent there by visitors and encouraging people to explore the area through walking tours.
A total of �100,000 was donated to the scheme by the East of England Development Agency and was used to create a website, a dedicated walking trail booklet, a regular newsletter and promote the Quarter in tourism brochures.
Clare Millar, head of VisitNorwich, said: 'The Cathedral Quarter is a unique part of Norwich and the Cathedral Quarter initiative is an excellent example of collaboration with a joined-up approach to marketing this unique part of the city,' she said.
Local businesses were asked to support the project at a meeting on Thursday.
What do you think? Write to Evening News Letters at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE, or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk
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