Modern day evening shot of the Market


survived plague, revolts, fires, wars, supermarkets and internet shopping. It is embedded as part


WWI was the catalyst for the Markets Committee to buy up the stalls with the aim of encouraging ex-service men to rent them,


Market. The traders faced a stark choice: they either diversified or went out of business. Thus, although a lot of the old names disappeared, many are still trading – they’re just selling something else. Today, only three fruit and veg businesses remain.


By the time of the new millennium the Market and surrounding areas had become run down. It suffered from inadequate public access, poor health and safety arrangement and insufficient services for the traders. It was time for a change. Nevertheless, there was a huge uproar when the City Council invited the public to choose between three options euphemistically called ‘The Pyramids’, ‘The Pods’ and ‘The Wave’. As a result,


and thus earn a living. When the ownership was vested in the Council the committee took over the responsibility of their upkeep. In the 1930s it was recognised that both the Market and the City’s administrative buildings were in need of a radical overhaul, and the decision was made to demolish a number of buildings, including the miscellaneous hotchpotch of council offices which straddled it and build the magnificent new City Hall. The Market was renovated over 1938. When it reopened the stalls had the iconic striped tilts which are still retained today.


Over the 1960s it became apparent that, although the Marketplace added much to the ambience of the City Centre, it was both falling into disrepair and failing to meet new legislative standards. Although renovated in 1976 at a cost of £110,000, the bigger changes were afoot. Traditionally it was a provisions market, and in 1979-80 around a third of the stalls sold fruit and veg. However, the expansion of supermarkets threatened the


8 Fine City Magazine 2010


local architect Michael Innes sent a letter to the Evening News reflecting his views – a letter that received support from across Norwich and beyond. As a result, Michael, working with architect Rupert Kitchen and his team from


TO HOLD PRIDE OF PLACE IN ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE CITYSCAPES IN BRITAIN


NORWICH CULTURE AND CONTINUES


IT IS EMBEDDED AS PART OF THE


of the Norwich culture and continues to hold pride of place in one of the most impressive cityscapes in Britain.


The fully story of Norwich Market is told in A Market for our Times.


The book not only contains beautiful drawings, paintings and photographs but also incorporates personal stories and intriguing facts that bring the Market to life.


Available from Jarrolds for £8.95. WIN THIS BOOK!


We have two copies of A Market for our Times to give away! Simply answer the following question...


In what year did Queen Elizabeth I cross the ‘goodly-garnished’ Marketplace?


LSI Architects, prepared new plans which met general approval, and over 2005 the Market was renovated and officially reopened on March 25, 2006.


Against all the odds, Norwich Market has To advertise call 01362 288084


Email entries to sales@finecity.co.uk Post entries to A Market for our Times book Comp. Fine City Magazine, St Withburgha Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 2SB.


Closing date - 1st December 2010 Winner will be drawn - 2nd December 2010


View of the Market’s iconic canapies


The Market in 1974


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