Roads set to close for Anglia Square demolition

A major route in Norwich city centre is to close for six weeks while Anglia Square is demolished.

Magdalen Street and the adjoining Edward Street will be shut to all-through traffic from 1 February until 15 March.

Norwich City Council said the closure - from north of the flyover, along Edward Street and up to the junction of Beckham Place - would protect public safety.

"We do understand this may cause inconvenience to motorists, residents and businesses; however, this needs to be done in order for us to deliver on our commitment to redevelop Anglia Square," said Carli Harper, Labour cabinet member for finance and major projects.

Letters from DSM Demolition, sent to local addresses on Friday, said access for residents and businesses would be maintained throughout.

Norfolk County Council said traffic would be diverted via Whitefriars and Bull Close Road. Temporary bus stops on both roads were only to be used by selected services "to manage the number of buses waiting".

Bus stops on Tombland, Upper King Street and Magdalen Road near Stacey Road would be served as normal, it said.

"Passengers should be advised that there may be delays and changes to normal timetables due to the diversions and the impact on the road networks and traffic volumes, but operators will work to manage the disruption as much as they can," the county council added.

First Bus, which runs several services which use the route, said information was available on its website.

"We encourage passengers to plan their journeys ahead of travel and to keep checking the latest service information available," a spokesperson added.

Sanders Coaches and Konect Bus have also been approached for comment.

The initial phase of demolition work began at Anglia Square in November.

The 1960s-built shopping centre is being bulldozed to make way for 1,100 homes, retail and leisure spaces.

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