New details of plans for 670 homes on the outskirts of the city have been revealed as a developer launches a public consultation
The May Gurney and Deal Ground site, in Trowse, is an abandoned and disused brownfield site with dilapidated buildings.
And now developer Serruys Property Company have unveiled plans which it hopes to lodge this summer.
The original outline planning permission for the regeneration of the site was granted in 2013 so progress has been a long time coming.
And now the developer has released what the site could look like – citing inspiration from the character of the surrounding area, with Whitlingham Country Park on its doorstep.
The site designs show plenty of new green open space as well as play areas for children and even cycle routes throughout.
They also feature a new public square and dining quarters closer to the riverside, as well as pedestrian and cycle bridges across sections of the river.
The company submitted its designs to Norwich City Council and South Norfolk Council at the end of February and intends to submit final plans next month.
It then hopes for a decision next winter so that construction can start next year.
Andre Serruys, director of Serruys Property Company, said: “We are committed to working collaboratively with the community to deliver the exciting regeneration and transformation of the May Gurney and Deal Ground site, which we know is incredibly important to local people, and has been a long time in the making.
“We are determined to deliver the best regeneration possible for Norwich.
“That is why we are inviting residents to play their part in shaping the final design of the site by providing feedback at our consultation events."
Included in the plans is the site being split into thirds, with the northern section known as Wensum Edge, the middle alongside Carrow Abbey County Wildlife site as Fen Village and the south as Yare Newton.The public consultation sessions are set to take place next week and will give people living in the area the chance to inspect them closely and the chance to have their say.
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The first is at The Forum between 4pm and 8pm on Tuesday, May 16 and the second is the following day at Manor Rooms in Trowse between midday and 5pm
The final session will be online via Zoom between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday, May 18.
To register for the Zoom session or to find out more about the plans, people can visit the newly launched project website at dealgroundconsultation.co.uk/vision.
But there has been controversy at the site recently with South Norfolk Council launching an investigation after trees were cut down on river banks.
Marion Catlin, who lives in the area, heard the chainsaws and got to the edge of the site to see the last tree fall.
She said: “There was no warning at all. We have never had any interaction with or communication from the landowner at any point.
“I felt the tears well up as I realised that what had been done was final and irreversible.”
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The former industrial sites are a key part of the East Norwich Masterplan which would see approximately 4,000 homes built in four key areas, including Carrow Works and the Utilities site between Thorpe Hamlet and Whitlingham.
A spokeswoman for Trowse Parish Council said: “The parish council would be looking to ensure that any site up for development such as the May Gurney site is done sympathetically without encroaching on the village lifestyle.
“The issue with the trees left the parish council disappointed to see it had gone ahead without any consultation.
“But with the Serruys development, we know something will go up there but want to ensure it is cohesive with the village and its natural and historical elements.”
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