Norwich's former Marsh office demolition plans revealed

Developers are hoping to begin demolition work at Victoria House in Queens Road next month.

They hope to redevelop the site in a project which is thought to include at least some office space.

The former Marsh offices have stood empty for 18 months since the insurance company moved out to the Broadland Business Park.

Now developers have revealed how they will demolish the landmark property.

Work will take place between Monday and Friday from 8am to 5pm, with plans for Saturday working also afoot.

Developers say machine work will not begin before 8am and dust emanating from the site will be controlled with hoses.

Goody Demolition, the contractors, say the control of dust and noise is of "major concern" saying they intend to keep the impact on the local area to the "lowest level possible".

Weekly assessments of the work's impact will take place to assess noise, dust and vibrations, while weather conditions will be monitored in order to make sure large quantities of dust are not blown on to the surrounding streets.

Demolition bosses say the building will fall in a manner designed to reduce debris and impact on surrounding properties.

Developers are aiming for work to begin on August 7 and continue for six months.

The planning application for the demolition has faced pushback from those living nearby.

Some have called for it to be used to house charities and community groups who say they will be left homeless by the Anglia Square revamp.

Victoria House, the former home of Marsh in Queen's Road (Image: Newsquest)

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One objector said: "Our social enterprise has benefitted from being able to use a space in Anglia Square for the past two and a half years.

"We will soon need to leave this space and the Marsh building could provide a similar opportunity for us and for the many other environmental, social and cultural organisations in Norwich that are currently looking for space."

So far the application has received four public objections with others raising concerns over the environmental impact of works.

Another objector said: "The building and its gardens appear to be in good condition. It should be used as a community amenity while plans are made for its redevelopment.

"I am also against demolitions generally, for environmental reasons."

Demolition experts say a number of measures will be undertaken in order to reduce pollution including making sure no vehicles are left idling, no waste burning and regular vehicle checks.

They say monitoring equipment will also be installed at the site to ensure pollution levels are at the lowest possible level.

Other objectors followed Labour county councillor for the area Emma Corlett in calling for a longer consultation period so that plans could be looked at in more detail.

Ms Corlett, who says she is open to work at the site, had previously said those living nearby had been left with "very little say" over the plans, with many of her constituents raising concerns.

It comes as plans to demolish Debenhams in nearby St Stephens Street were unveiled last month.

Labour county councillor Emma Corlett (Image: Newsquest)

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A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council has said it would not be able to stop the demolition of Victoria House but would be able to determine the way it was demolished.

The consultation process for the plans concludes on Monday, August 7.