Public Realm

Transforming Hay Hill: a vibrant future for Norwich’s city centre

Norwich is stepping boldly into the future with the Town Deal Public Realm project, a transformative initiative focused on revitalising Hay Hill - one of the city centre’s few open public spaces. Backed by funding from the national Towns Fund, this project is all about creating a more welcoming, accessible, and dynamic urban environment for everyone who lives, works, and visits Norwich.

Why Hay Hill?

Hay Hill has long held potential as a central gathering space, but its previous layout - with uneven levels, outdated furniture, and a fragmented design—limited its usability and appeal. The new vision for Hay Hill unlocked that potential by:

• creating a clearer, more open central area that invites people to linger, relax, and connect
• improving accessibility so that everyone can move through the space with ease
• hosting cultural activities and events, turning Hay Hill into a vibrant hub of community life

What’s changed?

Following extensive public and stakeholder consultation, the redesigned Hay Hill features:

• modern landscaping and seating that encourages social interaction
• flexible spaces for performances, pop-ups, and seasonal events
• improved navigation and connectivity, making it easier to explore the city centre.

A catalyst for community and commerce

This isn’t just about beautification - it’s about boosting footfall, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the city’s identity. By investing in public realm improvements, Norwich is laying the groundwork for:

• economic growth through increased visitor engagement
• stronger community ties via shared public experiences
• a more inclusive city centre that reflects the needs and aspirations of its people

Looking ahead

While the original plan included enhancements to St Giles Street, rising costs have led to a strategic focus on Hay Hill for now. The city council remains committed to finding alternative funding to bring the St Giles vision to life in the future.