St Stephens Street in Norwich slammed by city locals

And over the years it has been the backdrop as England’s rulers including Elizabeth I and Charles II visited Norwich.

But now city folk say St Stephens Street is in decline and becoming a “dead street” as shops continue to close and gambling outlets move in.

Many shoppers admit they rarely go down what was once one of the city's busiest streets.

And as another gambling business, Merkur Slots, has been given the green light to set-up shop in the former Argos store locals fear that the street will continue its slump. 

Merkur Slots has been approved for the former Argos site (Image: Newsquest)

‘A DEAD STREET’

Billy Lain Rodgers, 74, from Norwich, said: "It's a dead street.

"Maybe centring all of the gambling stuff in one area is a good idea.

"There aren't many shops there and I don't often go down there."

Billy Lain Rodgers, 74 (Image: Hallie Taylor) Sue Greenhill, 64, from Cambridge, agreed: "It's noticeable how the street has gone downhill over the years. 

"When we come to visit it is just a street we have to walk through, but that is it."

Bev, 64, from North Walsham said; "I don't mind the street itself but with how the world is, it's not acceptable for there to be yet another gambling shop."

St Stephens Street was once Norwich's premier shopping destination (Image: Hallie Taylor)

£6.1M INVESTMENT

St Stephens Street was once a key shopping area of the city and was home to Wilko, BHS, Argos, Quality Discounts and Debenhams.

But the last decade has seen a rapid decline and all these shops closed within 10 years of each other.

A £6.1m revamp of the street where bus parking bays, wider pavements, crossing points and seating were added hasn’t helped its rejuvenation.

Instead many shops have remained empty ever since, including the Argos, which closed in 2021 and has been boarded up for the last three years.

Earlier this month Norwich City Council approved Merkur Slots taking over the former Argos store.

This will make it the third gambling site on that stretch of street with Admirals and Coral already operating.

Objections were lodged against Merkur Slots during the planning application process.

One person formally complained about the plans, saying: "It would be far better to have an empty shop than another venue that brings the street even further down the plug hole that it has fallen into."

Despite this, the plans were approved.

‘SERIOUS CONCERNS’

Councillor for the Mancroft ward, Martin Schmeirer, said that the opening of another gambling hub was a "serious concern."

Cllr Martin Schmeirer (Image: Newsquest) "The proposal for an adult gaming centre on St Stephens Street raises serious concerns for our community," he said.

"We’ve seen in London how similar venues can be misused as hubs for illegal activity, including the use of stolen bank cards, creating security risks that the city centre of Norwich simply doesn't need. 

"The location is especially troubling given the proximity to several nearby schools, where young people would be exposed daily to a venue that promotes addictive behaviour.

"Furthermore, gambling establishments often target vulnerable communities, and there is clear evidence linking the concentration of betting shops and gambling venues with higher levels of poverty - and there already is a concentration of at least four betting shops and another adult gaming centre within a stone's throw of St Stephens. 

The street is already home to Admirals and Coral betting shops (Image: Sonya Duncan) "We cannot ignore the damaging impact yet another such venue would have on local residents already facing financial hardship. Our priority should be fostering a safe, supportive environment for all, not facilitating businesses that prey on those most in need."

READ MORE: Slot machine chain coming to city street despite backlash from locals

A spokesman for Norwich City Council said: "A gambling premises licence was granted last month to the operator Merkur for the ground floor of 45 St Stephens Street, Norwich.

"However, it is for a bingo premises licence, not an adult gaming centre.

"The legislation requires applicants to provide information to responsible authorities and there has been a consultation period which was also open to the public.

"No relevant representations were received so the licence has been granted. Once the premises has opened it will be subject to compliance visits."

Merkur Slots was approached for comment.

A HISTORY OF ST STEPHENS STREET

The street was once the premier shopping street in Norwich (Image: Newsquest) The street was once the main entrance to the walled city of Norwich from London and in 1578 thousands lined the route cheering and clapping as Queen Elizabeth, riding side-saddle, arrived.

She was followed in 1671 by Charles II and his much-loved Portuguese wife, Queen Catherine.

The street was once full of shops (Image: Newsquest) St Stephen's Gate marked the end of long and tiresome journeys from London and other towns to the south-west of Norwich, including Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds. 

For others, it warned of the punishments that could fall upon any who broke the law in Norwich. Severed heads could be seen on spikes along with quartered body parts of traitors. The gallows were by the gate.

St Stephens Street in 1968 (Image: Newsquest) The first blow came in 1793 when the gate was demolished, opening up the road which was packed with shops, businesses and homes.

In the late 1950s and early 60s St Stephen's took on a whole new look. The bulldozers destroyed most of the street, including the old post office which had once been used by weavers when Norwich was the centre of the wool trade.

A roundabout and subway arrived and St Stephens became an 80ft four-lane highway bordered by new buildings.

Additional reporting by Hallie Taylor