Shops to become homes as city continues to change
The redevelopment is among a number of vacant shops facing a transformation in the city.
Shops in Norwich are set to be converted into residential units as the city adapts to evolving consumer behaviors. The developer behind the initiative anticipates that transforming portions of the former Wilko and Poundland premises into apartments will invigorate activity on the high street.
A former retail establishment in the city is slated for conversion into 70 flats, a move experts believe foreshadows similar redevelopments of vacant commercial spaces, driven by shifts in shopping patterns. Norwich City Council officers have given their approval to a proposal to repurpose the former Wilko and Poundland stores, situated at the intersection of St Stephens Street.
ALB Group, the developer, stated its intention to convert an "underutilised space that reflects badly" on the city into an "urban living experience." Stefan Gurney, representing the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID), noted that these changes align with a nationwide trend.
Wilko ceased operations at its St Stephens Street location in late 2023 following the company's entry into administration. ALB Group plans to develop the site into one-bedroom apartments, with two retail units occupying the ground floor. Arran Bailey, managing director, described the building as a "landmark" and "part of Norwich's history." He further commented, "Its redevelopment will have a hugely positive impact, bringing usable commercial and residential space into the heart of the city." The company also intends to redevelop the former Tesco store on Guildhall Hill.
Proposals to convert the former department store into flats were initially submitted in 2023. In recent years, numerous applications have been filed to transform empty shops and office buildings into residential units or mixed-use spaces featuring ground-floor retail, including the former Marsh offices on Queens Road.
However, some projects have encountered obstacles. Plans to convert the former Debenhams store into student accommodation were abandoned, partly due to escalating costs rendering the project unfeasible. That site will now become a play centre.
Gurney, chief executive of Norwich BID, highlighted a national reevaluation of "how city centres are being considered." He remarked, "I think the days of big footprints in large retail units are realistically going from the high street." He added that an increased residential population in the city centre would contribute to making it "more vibrant."