New look at Hotel Nelson redevelopment project in Norwich

The Hotel Nelson in Norwich, opposite the train station, is set to be demolished and rebuilt along with dozens of new homes and student accommodation. 

Hospitality giant Whitbread, who own Premier Inn, have revealed a new look at the scheme after nearly two years in the works. 

The existing Hotel Nelson in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)Whitbread hope to completely transform one of the city's main gateways, which they say is currently dominated by "tired and dilapidated" buildings. 

The proposed riverside promenade (Image: Sheppard Robson)

New details about the project were unveiled at a City Hall briefing last week, showing the site could provide homes for around 600 people. 

The proposals include the complete demolition of the existing Nelson and its replacement by a new hotel with 243 rooms, as well as commercial space for restaurants and cafes.

READ MORE: City Hall leader pledges Anglia Square revamp will go ahead

The proposed residential courtyard (Image: Sheppard Robson)

But the defining feature of the scheme is two large blocks of student flats, which will have a total of 491 rooms. 

There will also be a block of 75 residential apartments and a large plaza on the riverfront, designed to host markets, concerts and other events. 

New park facing the proposed student accommodation (Image: Sheppard Robson)

The new images illustrate how the development might look to those arriving into Norwich at the train station, and show how commercial and green space will be integrated into the scheme. 

The old Great Eastern Hotel (Image: Archant) Whitbread expect to submit their formal planning application in the next few weeks. It will be considered by City Hall early next year with a view for work to begin as soon as a decision is reached.

The site was occupied by the Great Eastern Hotel until it was demolished in 1963 and the Nelson was built in its place in 1971.