432 Rental Homes Proposed for Former Marsh Building Site in Norwich — ‘Buildings within a Park’

Overview

A planning application has been submitted to redevelop the cleared Marsh building site on Queens Road, Norwich, with 432 rental homes and a mix of family housing, public green space, and retail and business units. Norwich Victoria Limited says the central location would reduce car journeys, boost footfall and be "transformational" for St Stephens Street. The flattened site is currently being used as a temporary car park while the scheme progresses.

Design and public realm

The proposals describe the former Marsh building as "monolithic and linear" and propose a new layout with blocks oriented perpendicular to Queens Road to open up views and maximise daylight. A new internal street would prioritise pedestrians. Significant planted areas are planned to create the impression of "buildings within a park," and a central pavilion is proposed as the main entrance to the development.

Buildings and amenities

Five principal towers of eight and nine storeys—none taller than the previous structure—would face Queens Road. These towers could include amenities for residents such as a cinema room, gym, co-working space, residents' lounge and an events room. Behind the towers would stand five slightly lower residential blocks, separated by the new road from rows of three- and four-storey townhouses. A business unit and a flexible-use block (for example, a café) are proposed near the St Stephens roundabout to activate the street edge.

Housing mix and transport

Most units would be two-bedroom homes (35.1%); three-bedroom units would make up only 3.9% of the total. Around a quarter of the homes would be studio flats, with living areas arranged as a single combined space. Vehicle provision is limited to 60 parking spaces, reflecting an emphasis on walking, public transport and cycling—622 secure cycle parking spaces are included in the scheme.

Impact and next steps

On potential impacts to properties on Victoria Street at the rear of the site, the application states it is "unlikely to significantly affect daylight and sunlight," although further assessment will be carried out. Norwich City Council is expected to consider the planning application in the new year.

Key facts: 432 rental homes; five 8–9 storey towers; central pavilion; pedestrian-priority street; 60 car parking spaces; 622 secure cycle spaces.