Plans have been revealed to transform a landmark building on Guildhall Hill, Norwich, into apartments and retail units, ending speculation it could become a hotel.
The long-vacant site opposite Norwich Market and the Guildhall was previously home to Tesco Metro but has stood empty since May 2022.
Now, some 29 apartments aimed at young professionals are set to be created in the upper floors of the 42,987 sq. ft building with the ground floor given over to retail and a new unit created at the back of the building.
Planning permission prior to the building’s purchase by Nottingham-based developer ALB Group indicated that it could become a hotel, with talks with Travelodge reported. However, ALB has now quashed hotel rumours after sharing its plans to retain ground floor retail space while creating much needed city centre apartments above.
Arran Bailey, managing director at ALB Group, said: “We are excited for the future of this landmark building in the heart of the city. It is a site that has a long and varied history. Now its future is secured.”
Once the site of Chamberlin & Sons department store, and rebuilt after a fire in 1898, the beautiful building has been underutilised in recent years. Most recently, Tesco Metro occupied the ground floor retail unit but for the last four years the site has slipped into dereliction.
Arran said: “It is so sad when only the ground floor of such a stunning building is used. “Our plan is to breathe life back into the entire building by creating standout apartments. The existing huge windows will provide incredible views across the market square and the city, above new retail spaces. We are already in talks with interested tenants.”
The building fronts Guildhall Hill but also edges Dove Street, where there are existing shops including Strangers Coffee, the NO12 barber shop, state of disarray and Ten Eighty.
Arran said that the company would be working with these tenants as well as negotiating with some exciting new retailers for the new units to come.
Further upgrades will occur at the back of the building where there was previously a loading bay and parking area. Here, a new unit will be created facing onto Pottergate.
John Morgan, director at Leonard Design architects, said: “The building has been derelict for some time. Now the hoarding is coming down to reveal the building’s beauty, and what an incredible building it will be to live in with views onto Norwich Guildhall. This is a really important part of the city centre to breathe life back into.“
It is expected work will be completed within 18 months.
ALB Group is renowned for its regeneration work in city and town centres across the UK. Arran said: “Bringing residential space alongside retail opportunities back into the city reinvigorates a location. It brings jobs as well as creating community. This prime city centre building deserves a bright future as part of that regeneration.”
ALB Group has achieved tremendous success in turning around the fortunes of city and town centre streets including in areas such as Ipswich, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, and Chesterfield.
Earlier this year, ALB acquired the former Co-op department store in St Stephens Street, Norwich city centre. A building that most recently housed Poundland and Wilko.
