New Nelson Hotel masterplan revealed for Norwich gateway

The Nelson Hotel in Norwich will be transformed into a vibrant space with a spacious plaza, homes, restaurants and river walk.

Hospitality giant Whitbread, which is behind the rejuvenation, put forward its initial proposals earlier this year but missed a key deadline to submit its planning application in June.

The plans for Nelson Hotel's redevelopment have been overhauled (Image: Whitbread)

The company has since redoubled its efforts, unveiling a total redesign earlier this month and pledging to submit its plans to the city council by September.

Further details of the revamp have now been released, showing drastic changes to the scheme in light of public feedback from the first consultation held in February. 

Most notable was its potential impact on nearby heritage sites, which locals feared would be "overshadowed". 

READ MORE: New homes get go-ahead on city outskirts despite objections from locals

The first public consultation highlighted concerns which were addressed in the redesign (Image: Whitbread)

This led Whitbread to reduce the overall height of buildings in the scheme to ensure St Faith's House and the Weavers House were not blocked from view. 

By setting back the top floor of the hotel and lowering the student accommodation block it would also "enhance views of the Castle" and "better reflect the industrial buildings characteristic of the area".

It was also recommended that there be improved pathways through the redevelopment so the latest plan includes a path that leads down to the riverside, connecting Mountergate to the River Wensum.

Green spaces and streets lined with trees are a key feature of the plan (Image: Whitbread)

Additionally, the promenade will be widened to provide space for more foliage and seating integrated into plant beds to maximise space.

A large plaza has been designed into the riverfront to create an additional events space for performances, art, celebrations and socialising to "reflect the vibrancy of the city".

READ MORE: SIX YEAR battle for new homes in posh part of city may finally be coming to an end

Whitbread has laid out a rough timeline for the project's progress (Image: Whitbread)

The feedback on the updated proposal will be reviewed through August and if no further design changes are needed, a planning application will be submitted in September.