Ingleton Wood transforms urban square in Norwich’s pedestrian shopping district Thursday, 30th January 2025

Ingleton Wood is proud to have supported the total regeneration of a key urban square in the heart of Norwich's pedestrian shopping district. 

Appointed by Norwich City Council through a competitive tendering process, Ingleton Wood provided civil, structural, and architectural services for this transformative project, which has transformed a dated and inaccessible public space into a vibrant and inclusive oasis for the local community.

The pioneering scheme will breathe new life into the area, creating a calm, welcoming space for relaxation amid the bustling shopping district. The design addresses previous accessibility challenges and introduces a range of seating options, including benching and auditorium-style steps, allowing all visitors to enjoy the square fully. 

The central space, surrounded by mature trees offering cool shade during the summer, features a new layout that includes a pair of water cascade features, framing steps that lead up to the historic Sir Thomas Browne statue, providing a serene focal point.

The transformed square now serves as a venue for relaxation during the day and a dynamic space for street performances day and night. Accessibility has been significantly improved, with the removal of steep slopes and unprotected edges, making the square fully accessible to wheelchair users. 

The new design incorporates contemporary elements, with sweeping curves formed in natural stone, complemented by Coreten steel planting beds and two distinctive new cedar-clad buildings that house the water feature’s plant room and a renewed ice cream kiosk, a beloved fixture in the square for decades.

"This project has been unique due to its entirely bespoke, site-specific design, which reflects the character and heritage of Norwich while providing a modern, accessible public space for all to enjoy", commented John Dixon, Managing Partner at Ingleton Wood.

Ingleton Wood collaborated closely with Norwich City Council's landscape design team, ensuring the successful integration of new and existing elements, whilst retaining important mature trees; a key part of the space’s character.

Additional partners in the project include Tarmac as the main contractor, Draper and Nichols, who delivered the plant room and kiosk buildings, and Greyfriars as project managers. 

The revitalised square is now set to become a cherished part of Norwich's cityscape, providing a space where the community can gather, relax, and enjoy both day-to-day moments and special events.