The planned completion date of a major project to regenerate a 'gateway' to the city centre has been revealed. 

Whitbread, the parent company of Premier Inn, is hoping to complete the redevelopment of The Nelson hotel site in Prince of Wales Road by June 2027. 

Norwich Evening News: The Premier Inn site in Prince of Wales RoadThe Premier Inn site in Prince of Wales Road (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The proposals would see the space - which currently consists of the hotel, the Nelson Table Table restaurant and several unused commercial units - demolished and replaced with a larger Premier Inn, purpose-built accommodation for students and new homes. 

Those behind the project say they hope to create an "improved gateway" to Norwich from the rail station, including a public plaza.

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of the developmentAn artist's impression of the development (Image: Sheppard Robson)

A timeline for the redevelopment was unveiled during a public exhibition earlier this week. 

Whitbread is hoping to submit its plans by May or June this year, with a view to a decision being reached by the city council in February 2025. 

If all goes to plan, work would begin in spring 2025 and the hotel would be reopened by June 2027. 

Richard Pearson, senior development manager for Whitbread, previously said about the plans: "The location can deliver more than it does currently and we’re proposing to make a substantial investment in a new masterplan which will deliver a new, better Premier Inn hotel as well as other appropriate uses.

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“The development gives us a wonderful opportunity to make more of the site and our architect and landscape architects have worked hard to create a development proposal that connects with its surroundings, is accessible and gives back to Norwich through an enhanced river walkway and improved views from Norwich Station towards the castle and city centre."

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of the view from the riverAn artist's impression of the view from the river (Image: Sheppard Robson)

The site was occupied by the Great Eastern Hotel until it was demolished in 1963. 

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The Nelson was built in its place in 1971.

The public can share their views on the plans via a survey at norwichnelson.co.uk.

There will also be a second public exhibition at the hotel on Saturday.