Hay Hill, Norwich City Centre

Client: Norwich City Council

Staff lead: Tom Warnes

Location: Hay Hill Norwich

Sector: Local Authority

Project length: 2022 - 2024

Project cost: £3.2 million

Project value: Improving the area, making it a vibrant urban space which is more accessible for the general public

Redeveloping Hay Hill Norwich

Hay Hill has a rich history, originally serving as a marketplace where carts brought hay and other goods from the surrounding Norfolk countryside. The bustling market continued until the late 1950s when attendance began to dwindle.

In 1972, the area underwent significant changes. The garden and lawn surrounding the statue of Sir Thomas Browne were replaced with a paved area and a water feature. Over the years, Hay Hill has seen various transformations. Today, it is one of the largest urban open spaces in Norwich city centre, providing a key public space on the route between Chantry Place and Norwich Market. The recent redevelopment has further improved the space, making it a vibrant and accessible area in the city for its residents and many visitors.

In addition to improving walking links between key areas – including Norwich Market, Millennium Plain, Gentleman’s Walk, and Chantry Place – the project aimed to provide more open space for events and cultural activities in the city centre. Moreover, it involved improving the quality and look of the area to make it more vibrant and accessible to the public, while attracting investment and boosting the visitor economy.

The reimagined design included the installation of new water features, planters, and improved seating, as well as steps which were better designed for access. The existing temporary ice-cream kiosk was replaced with a larger, permanent structure.

Services We Provided

Partway into the construction phase, Greyfriars were appointed by Norwich City Council to provide project management services and strategic advice for the logistically challenging live construction site. We provided a range of services, including:

• Client project management
• Contract management
• Managing client and external design teams
• Overseeing the main contractor
• Programme management and critical path
• Risk management
• Budget management
• Stakeholder management and engagement

Working on a Logistically Challenging Site

Due to its central location, the Hay Hill site presented significant logistical challenges. It was land-locked by pedestrian zones and surrounded by bustling businesses, including notable high-street names and a fast-food restaurant. The access road was manned by gatemen at all times to ensure public safety and to facilitate safe deliveries by lorries. The limited space for construction required careful and considered project management, which was expertly delivered by our skilled team.

Particularly difficult areas of construction included those outside Next and McDonald’s. These were completed successfully with minimal disruption to the businesses. The work at the entrance to McDonald’s was especially challenging, as it had to be completed outside of their opening hours – between midnight and 6am!

Adding Value

Our team’s extensive construction and NEC knowledge was instrumental in assessing programmes and proactively identifying critical paths and programme risks. The multi-skill scheme, which included paving, irrigation, general building, carpentry, and electrical work, required careful coordination. While Tarmac managed their sub-contractors, we ensured that the critical path for each sub-contractor was followed, maintaining smooth progress. We prioritised the safety of the site, implementing stringent measures to protect both workers and the public throughout the project.

Project Partners

For the Hay Hill redevelopment, we worked with several key partners. Tarmac, served as the main contractor, ensuring the construction phase was executed with support from Draper & Nichols to build the kiosk and plant room structure. Ingleton Wood provided the architectural, civil and structural design, bringing their expertise to create a cohesive and functional urban space.

Project Completion and Community Impact

As a Norwich-based business, it’s especially rewarding to have worked with Norwich City Council on delivering a project that will be so beneficial for our city. The Hay Hill redevelopment has transformed the area into an even better space for locals and visitors to Norwich. This project not only enhances the built environment but also delivers real public benefits for residents, shoppers, and businesses in our vibrant retail centre. The successful completion of this logistically challenging project showcases our team’s expertise and commitment to creating a safer, more accessible, and vibrant urban space. We are proud to have contributed to a project that will positively impact the community for years to come.

Need Project Management Support?

Here at Greyfriars Project Management, we are a team of highly-skilled project managers. As well as the public sector, we work with academies, charities, and the private sector on development and infrastructure projects which aim to provide tangible benefits to the public. Whether you need full project management or ad-hoc support, we are on hand to help.

Get in touch today to find out more.

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