One of the largest regeneration schemes in Norwich City Council has been given the go ahead after Savills secured planning approval.
The Hybrid Application, on behalf of Whitbread Plc, was granted by Norwich City Council last week and will bring forward a new flagship Premier Inn Hotel, 491 Purpose Built Student Accommodation units and around 75 homes.
This will all be situated within a new vibrant neighbourhood comprising a public plaza for programable events, a parkland, play areas for children and an enhanced and fully accessible Riverside Walkway. The project aims to deliver a transformative development for this part of the city, which is a key Gateway site opposite the Norwich Train Station.
The development will also deliver significant public benefits, including:
- high quality buildings which reflect Norwich’s history of industrial and civic architecture and preserves views of the Castle and Cathedral
- new homes for local people and students to contribute to Norwich’s housing need
- a safer environment which is well designed and has an on-site management company to deter anti-social behaviour
- new commercial spaces to contribute to the vibrancy of the area, including a new space for a charitable organisation to provide community outreach programmes for the area
- CIL and S106 Costs amounting to circa £1.5m over the development period; and
- a highly sustainable and green development with:
- flood resilient design
- a fully electric hotel and BREEAM Excellent buildings
- a commitment to nutrient neutrality
- an 85% increase in biodiversity net gain
- a target of 95% demolition waste from landfill
- car free with the provision of a Beryl Bike scheme
The first phase of this development is due to commence in early 2027.
Savills’ Planning team worked in collaboration with its Social Value team and Research, on ‘Student Need’, to obtain this planning approval.
Nicola Forster, Planning Director at Savills, says: “We are so pleased to finally secure planning approval on such a significant and high quality regeneration scheme – seven years after beginning work on the project. Not only will this be a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly development, it will crucially inject significant investment into the city of Norwich.”
Georgina Nimmo, Associate, Social Value, adds, "We are delighted to have supported the planning team in achieving this positive outcome. By developing a clear social value narrative and strategy, we were able to better articulate the wider benefits of the scheme and ensure its value to the local community was fully reflected. Through local engagement, we helped showcase opportunities for community groups, arts initiatives, employment and training opportunities and broader social benefits that had not previously been highlighted. This successful result demonstrates the strength of collaboration between the planning and social value teams, and we are pleased that our work helped create a more compelling and community focused vision for the project."
Ciara Arundel, who leads the development team at Savills in Norwich said: “This approval is a major milestone for Norwich. The site in question has long been on the radar for regeneration, and the investment will transform an ageing hotel into a striking mixed-used destination that once complete will provide an impressive gateway to link the railway station with the city centre. It promises to be a real focal point for residents and visitors alike.”