Norwich's Hay Hill project on hold again after tarmac spat

Business owners and senior councillors want an end date on the £3.2m project after a row between City Hall and contractors, Tarmac, led to an extension of the work.

Originally it was meant to be completed by the end of spring but a series of delays means it has overrun by months.

The Hay Hill project has been delayed again after a spat between City Hall and contractors Tarmac (Image: Newsquest)

Paul Wiley, owner of CJ's Fruit and Veg on the market, said: "It's a shame because it's a missed opportunity for the entire city.

"People want to know what's going on because this was meant to be finished months ago.

"A lot of money has been spent and we've missed the prime opportunity, during the spring, to use it.

Paul Wiley, who runs CJ's Fruit and Veg said people want to know what's going on (Image: Newsquest)

"It needs doing as it just looks silly now looking like that for so long and the longer it takes the more people will question what's happened."

Jamie Osborn, Green Party councillor for Mancroft Ward, added: "It's disappointing that after months of work and with the revamp nearly completed, there's a final hurdle that's stopping Hay Hill being reopened.

"People are hoping the work will finally be completed without further delays and the ugly metal fencing can be removed.

The Hay Hill project was due to finish in spring (Image: Newsquest)

"At the very least, we need information about what work is still to be done and when it is due to be completed."

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Little work has taken place in recent weeks due to contractual issues leaving City Hall and Tarmac at loggerheads.

Green Party councillor Jamie Osborn said people need to know what work is still to be done and when it is due to be completed (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Due to the stand-off, it means the project has dragged on resulting in there still not being a confirmed opening date.

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Stefan Gurney, head of Norwich BID, said: "Hopefully this will all be resolved soon so we can open what will be an amazing asset for the city.

"It's all there and we all want it open, it's just waiting on it to be completed now."

Norwich City Council said it was "very much looking forward to the re-opening of Hay Hill".

There is currently no date for when the project will be completed (Image: Newsquest)