Public invited to further say on proposed changes to St Giles Street

A new look St Giles Street in Norwich was first put forward as part of a wider vision for 'Connecting the Lanes' area, which the public were consulted on in the summer of 2021.

Reduced through traffic in Exchange Street and St Benedicts Street has already improved conditions for walking, cycling and opportunities for outdoor dining in the heart of the city centre and Norfolk County Council and the Transport for Norwich (TfN) partnership are now seeking feedback on further detail regarding the proposed improvements on St Giles Street.

This work will be funded as part of Norwich City Council's Towns Fund award from central government and will include pavement widening to create a safer and more pleasant environment for walking and sitting out and new informal crossing points to enable anyone with restricted mobility to cross the road more easily. These changes would also improve conditions for cycling on the carriageway by lowering the speed of vehicles accessing St Giles car park and beyond, which is unaffected by the proposals.

A number of new street trees would also be introduced and opportunities for outdoor cafes would be created, subject to appropriate licensing by the city council.

The proposals require changes to on street parking and loading arrangements to facilitate the vision for the area and the public are invited to view the full detail of the draft plans and complete the brief online survey.

Councillor Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, and chair of the Transport for Norwich Joint Committee said:
"'Connecting the Norwich Lanes' is a programme of measures that aim to make it safer and easier to get around on foot or by bike, support opportunities for outdoor hospitality, boost the local economy and improve air quality.

"Our initial proposals for St Giles Street received strong support as part of our initial consultation and we are now consulting on the finer detail to inform the final design.

"We have written to all residents and businesses within the area directly impacted by this particular proposal and would also like to give the wider public a further opportunity to have their say".

Norwich City Council councillor Mike Stonard, cabinet member for inclusive and sustainable growth, said: "I welcome this further opportunity for the public to comment on these proposals.

"This is another important step in making Norwich more pedestrian and cycle friendly, that contributes to cleaner air and helps boost footfall, which leads to local economic growth.

"The St Giles Street proposal is part of our ambitious Norwich Town Deal Public Realm project, which has now been fully funded by government and it's fantastic to be part of such a collaborate effort to make the city an even more inviting place to live and visit."

Councillor Jamie Osborn, who represents the area for both council's said: "Many residents have spoken to me about the need for cleaner air and healthier, low-carbon modes of transport after the experience of lockdown. Making the Norwich Lanes area more connected for walking and cycling is a step towards that vision and it is important that everyone using the area around St Giles Street has the chance to give their views."

Hard copies and alternative formats are available on request and all comments must be received by Sunday 29 May.

View the St Giles Street plans and complete the surveyView the St Giles Street plans and complete the survey