Once England’s best kept secret, Norwich is becoming one of the most vibrant and popular cities in the country.
The time was when Norwich was one of those smart-Alec answers to come up with on game shows like the BBC’s Pointless when asked to come up with a list of UK cities, or settlements with a population of more than 200,000.
Tucked away in the depths of East Anglia, people almost forgot it was there, and when it was mentioned, it was in the context of an old fashioned, introverted place.
How times have changed.
Finally, the rest of the nation has cottoned on to the fact that not only is Norwich in one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the country, but with direct rail links to London taking less than two hours, it is a great location for anyone seeking commuter belt convenience at a fraction of the prices in Essex, Kent or the other home counties.
Not that commuting into London is the only choice. The residential side of Norwich that is on the up – a growing number of key employers are also attracted to the city, making it a thriving hub to live, work and play. It is also a very safe city to live.
But don’t take our word for it – here are six good news stories that show Norwich is going from strength to strength.
1. Top Ranking for Universities
Norwich University of Arts and The University of East Anglia have both been awarded gold ratings in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the government’s latest method for assessing the quality of teaching at higher education establishments across the country.
2. The Mitre
The local press in most areas is full of depressing stories of pub closures. But the Mitre, in Earlham Road, has bucked the trend, by reopening its doors as a coffee house, thanks to a £600,000 investment programme by local residents and the congregation of a neighbouring church.
3. Potions in the Alley
St Gregory’s Alley, in the heart of the city centre, is home to a trendy new concept bar called Alchemista Coffee Potions.
The bar describes itself as a “steam punk themed, Asian coffee fuelled, disruptor in the coffee world.” One thing is for sure, it has added yet more diversity to this rapidly developing part of the city.
4. New Medical Unit
If there is one sector that is struggling even more than the pub trade, it is the provision of medical services, but this is another area where Norwich has some good news.
A new specialist unit for mothers with mental health problems was given the go ahead at the city’s Hellesdon Hospital, and opened in 2019.
5. Better Road Infrastructure
The Northern Distributor Road, a 12 mile dual carriageway running across the top of Norwich from Taverham, to the west, to Postwick, in the east, was recently completed and makes getting around the area much easier.
6. New Luxury Apartments
Finally, there is no better evidence that an area is on the up and up that a look at the housing on offer. The former coroner’s court at Eastgate House is the latest in a long line of former commercial premises have been converted into top end luxury apartments. When the apartments went on sale, they attracted enormous interest.
There are pros and cons of living anywhere but hopefully our article has highlights some of the investment and rejuvenation in East Anglia’s Capital, which has made Norwich an even more appealing destination.
