Norwich councillors say Hay Hill revamp sets 'bad example'

The Labour-run authority is facing criticism from councillors over the £3.2m scheme, which was completed last month after a series of long delays. 

Members have questioned whether the project was a good use of public money and suggested the area looks little different after the investment, simply "replacing concrete with concrete". 

However, the leader of the council has defended the area as a "green oasis" in the city centre.

The new-look redevelopment of Hay Hill (Image: Eden Dorrell) The project was due to be completed earlier this year but this target was repeatedly pushed back amid disputes between City Hall and the contractors, Tarmac. 

The work was finally completed last month and the redesigned space includes new seating, steps, plants and fountains.

Judith Lubbock, a Lib Dem councillor, suggested the scheme set a "bad example" for people living in Norwich.

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She said: "Concrete and stone has been dug up and replaced with concrete and stone, any accessibility issues that existed before have been dealt with by steep stone steps necessitating unsightly metal railings, and the water feature is incorporated into further manufactured stone.

"I wonder what kind of example this sets for residents when considering their own garden redevelopments.

"I don't think we got good value for money and it looks much the same as it did before. I think it looks rather ugly in places."

Judith Lubbock, Lib Dem councillor for Eaton (Image: Submitted) The project was funded by the government's £25m Towns Fund and Ms Lubbock believes the council was forced to conjure up a "big transformative scheme" to secure this money, even though a revamp on this scale was not necessarily required.

"Hay Hill only needed tinkering with around the edges," she added. 

Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council (Image: Norwich City Council) Mike Stonard, leader of the council, responded: "Hay Hill was designed from the outset with sustainability and accessibility at its core.

"The inclusivity of the design was considered carefully with all areas of the site being accessible by compliant ramps and with steps designed with visual contrast, handrails and hazard paving.

"The area now provides a green oasis in the hard public realm of the city, providing urban cooling and meeting areas for the benefit of the city and its residents."