Could mustard factory plan unlock city's past?

News imageOwen Sennitt/BBC The River Wensum flows out of Norwich, with a boat moored up on the left. On the right, there are warehouses and other factory buildings which were once part of the Colman's mustard factory. The buildings are several storeys high.Owen Sennitt/BBC
Riverfront warehouses, which are listed buildings, would be preserved

Regenerating Colman's former mustard factory in Norwich could transform a corner of the city - and uncover history currently hidden from view.

Plans are due to be lodged for the first phase of the Carrow Works development, which includes building 300 homes.

The sprawling 42-acre site was an industrial hub, but there are also medieval ruins and listed buildings within it that are rarely seen by the public.

New access routes could be opened up, allowing people to see the protected properties. But the project is not without its challenges: increased traffic is a key concern.

The scheme is being delivered by Homes England, a government housing and regeneration agency, and Norwich City Council.

It is part of plans for a wider regeneration of east Norwich which aim to create up to 3,500 homes.

News imageUnilever A black-and-white picture of Colman's workers photographed leaving work to go home in about 1910. A long line of mostly female workers, many in long skirts and wearing hats, walk between large warehouses.Unilever
Colman's mustard factory was one of the biggest employers in Norwich for more than a century

The Carrow Works area, on the banks of the River Wensum, has long been a key eastern gateway into the city.

The site includes the ruins of a 12th Century Benedictine nunnery, called Carrow Priory. There is a 16th Century Grade I listed building next to the nunnery.

Archaeological excavations required before building work could uncover further secrets.

In the 1850s, the area grew into an industrial centre after Jeremiah James Colman, a major figure in the mustard firm's history, decided to expand production at Carrow.

News imageCarrow House, a grand 19th Century building with yellow-tinged brickwork and a conservatory.
Carrow House was the Colman's family home

His family home, Carrow House, is a Grade II listed building currently used by charities and other organisations and known as the Norwich Unity Hub.

The house has an ornate conservatory, also listed.

A number of 19th and 20th Century buildings built as part of the factory, such as the mustard seed drying shed, stables and some of the riverfront warehouses, are also protected.

The site was bombed during the Second World War by the Luftwaffe, killing five women who had been leaving after a shift at the factory.

News imageA conservatory with potted plants, chairs and other decorations can be seen inside the Victorian structure
The Carrow House conservatory is now used as a wedding venue

Jeremiah Colman's move to Carrow helped bring wealth and jobs to the city at a time when it had been facing decline.

Documents published during the ongoing Carrow Works public consultation stressed that all listed buildings and historic remains would be strictly protected.

It also said new uses could be found for some of the listed buildings.

New walking and cycling routes could be created to connect the city to the Norfolk Broads and Whitlingham.

Currently, access from Norwich to Trowse and Whitlingham means going along the busy Bracondale road.

Instead, a new river walk could be created.

There could also be new access routes through the Carrow Works site itself.

The main access for drivers would be from the roundabout off Martineau Lane and Bracondale, which leads to major routes including the A47 out of the city and can get gridlocked.

News imageNorwich City Council A map shows how new access routes could be created through the Colman's mustard factory revampNorwich City Council
New routes through the former Colman's mustard factory could be created

A consultation is open until the end of the month. Details can be found on the project's website.

The planning application is expected to be submitted before the end of the year.

If approved, construction of the first phase of homes could start by mid-2028, with some finished by 2029.

Jayshree Patel, head of planning at Homes England, said: "This unique site, with a proud industrial heritage, will play an important role in the future of east Norwich."

Lucy Galvin, leader of Norwich City Council, added: "This is just the start of what is an amazing opportunity to transform this part of our city.

"As a listening council, it's hugely important that we hear from everyone who is interested in our shared vision to provide new homes and create thousands of jobs so we can create one of the most liveable places in the UK."

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