Norfolk is setting the pace for regional development with its new Action Plan for 2024-2029, a detailed roadmap designed to transform ambition into achievement and accelerate Norfolk’s economic growth. From cutting-edge creative technologies to major infrastructure investment, the county is already making visible progress toward a future defined by innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.
Recent projects across Norfolk show the strategy in action. Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) has launched an Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab that promises to grow the county’s digital technology sector. Combining full-body motion capture with real-time 3D modelling, the lab’s advanced setup is ideal for gaming, film, animation, virtual reality and metaverse applications. Its 10m x 4m 360-degree LED volume provides high-resolution visuals and immersive sound, positioning NUA at the forefront of digital creativity.
This state-of-the-art facility complements NUA’s Virtual Production Studio, developed in collaboration with Sony. Together, these initiatives are placing Norwich and the wider region at the centre of next-generation filmmaking and digital innovation, creating new opportunities and supporting Norfolk’s economic growth in creative industries.
Infrastructure development is also playing a crucial role. The installation of Gigabit Fibre broadband has already reached 7,000 premises across Norfolk, with more than 80,000 expected to benefit in total from the Government’s £128 million investment. This rollout will complement commercial broadband projects, helping to reduce remaining “cold spots” and ensuring that rural and coastal areas are not left behind in the digital transition. Reliable, high-speed connectivity is a cornerstone of Norfolk’s economic growth, underpinning productivity and attracting businesses seeking modern digital capability.
The Action Plan, published by the Norfolk Business Board, sets out how the region’s Local Growth Plan will be delivered over the next five years. It aims to coordinate efforts across councils, businesses, educators and communities, demonstrating Norfolk’s determination to harness modern economic opportunities while tackling barriers to inclusive growth.
Nick Steven-Jones, Chair of the Norfolk Business Board, described the plan as a pivotal next step: “The Local Growth Plan was just the start. This Action Plan is a critical step in turning strategy into delivery, laying out a clear roadmap to unlock Norfolk’s potential, attract investment, and create opportunities in every part of the county. It’s not just about economic growth, but about building a stronger, fairer future for all. Now we need everyone — businesses, councils, educators and communities — to step up and help turn this plan into action.”
The strategy’s success will rely on collaboration and alignment across key sectors such as agri-food, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and digital technology. Norfolk’s strengths in these areas, combined with its commitment to sustainability, position the region as a serious contender in shaping the UK’s modern economy.
Several other major projects have already been delivered under the Local Growth Plan. The Norfolk Food Hall at the Norfolk Showground supports local producers, while a ‘grow-on’ facility at Norwich Research Park is helping businesses expand their capacity. The Digital Hub at Townshend House in Norwich provides vital startup and grow-on space for emerging companies, and the Made Smarter Adoption programme is assisting SMEs in integrating new technologies. Education and community investment have also advanced with the establishment of a School of Nursing Studies at the College of West Anglia’s King’s Lynn campus and the “Love Your Market Town” fund to support local high streets.
The Action Plan structures its ambitions across five core pillars: Key Sectors, People and Skills, Infrastructure, Climate Change, and Placemaking and Communities. Each pillar contains actions designed to raise GVA levels, promote sustainability, support rural and coastal communities and reduce inequalities. Actions are organised into short-, medium- and long-term goals, ensuring clear timelines and measurable progress.
By setting out tangible, time-bound priorities, Norfolk is turning vision into reality. The combination of creative innovation, digital infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration reflects a deep understanding of what drives modern prosperity. With strong leadership and unified purpose, Norfolk’s economic growth looks set not just to accelerate, but to do so in a way that benefits every corner of the county.
