Norwich City Council plans new cafes at three parks

Norwich City Council has earmarked Wensum Park, Sloughbottom Park and Heigham Park as potential destinations for development. 

Officials at the authority have outlined plans to improve green spaces across Norwich, which also include a refurbishment of the existing cafe in Earlham and a landmark skate facility at Sloughbottom Park or Eaton Park. 

They say "sensitive commercialisation" of these areas could generate more funding to be used across the board and bring some of the city's more unkept parks up to standard.

Earlham Park in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan) Proposals to be considered by councillors next week also outline an intention to explore catering opportunities at other green spaces in Norwich, including collaboration with franchises and ice cream companies. 

Officials at City Hall said they had concerns about the "declining infrastructure" at several parks including Mile Cross Gardens, Riverside Walk and Wensum Park. 

Other areas such as Sewell Park and Bowthorpe Park were identified as requiring "major investment". 

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Sewell Park (Image: Antony Kelly) Emma Hampton, deputy leader of Norwich City Council, said: "We have many outstanding parks and green spaces in Norwich, but we recognise the need to continue to manage, maintain and improve our green estate as well as adapt, particularly with regards to our changing climate.

"We have always recognised and acknowledged the benefits of our parks and green spaces, but today and looking ahead, we must acknowledge the pressures we are under in managing these important spaces, and recognise their value to those that live, work, and visit our fine city."

The council has set out plans for new cafes, an extreme sports facility and destination skate park as part of wider ambitions to invest in green spaces across the city by tackling anti-social behaviour, improving maintenance and signage and encouraging their use for activities such as park runs. 

This new policy will be considered by councillors at a meeting next Wednesday.