The project comprises a series of mixed use buildings, which make the transition between the historic city centre and a new shopping centre to the south, proposed on the site of a disused factory.
The grade I listed St. Stephens church and churchyard lie between the city centre and the site. Views across the churchyard are opened up by the removal of a multi storey car park and replaced by buildings which allow the churchyard to form part of a new civic space. The proposed buildings line two new routes from the town centre around the walls either side of the churchyard.
The retail building is flanked by a double height ‘green oak’ arcade, which identifies the new development when approaching from Norwich’s market square along the east wall of the churchyard. A series of flats are arranged as pavilions along the west side of the churchyard, and line a proposed route from Norwich’s new library. The composition and materials make reference to Norwich’s existing buildings and fabric and to the scale of the surroundings and proposed new development. This project is being carried out in conjunction with BDP, who are designing the main shopping development.