NORWICH HAS CREATIVITY IN ITS DNA AND THAT WAS EPITOMISED BY IT BECOMING THE UK’S FIRST UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE IN 2012. IT IS A CITY THAT COMBINES A RICH HERITAGE AND HISTORY WITH A CONTEMPORARY ATMOSPHERE.
Whilst so many city centres are looking to re-invent themselves, attract people and are even struggling to survive, Colliers International defines Norwich as ‘thriving’.
The city is consistently rated as one of the safest and greenest in the UK and with 1,500 historic buildings, a 900 year old cathedral and castle sitting alongside highly regarded modern architecture, this is an environment that inspires.
Norwich is a place of ideas where the power of words has changed lives for hundreds of years. Authors have always flocked to the city and the mystic Julian of Norwich was the first woman to write and publish a book in the English language in the 14th century. The University of East Anglia is home to the prestigious creative writing department and the novelist Ian McEwan commented that ‘Norwich has turned itself into a world hub for literature’.
The Norwich University of the Arts is based in the city centre and is a dynamic and creative community surrounded by small cafes and galleries. It is rated as a top 5 university for ‘creative scene’ in the Which University Survey and its Chancellor, the renowned actor John Hurt commented ‘it’s going to be the most impressive arts university in the world’.
From the cobbled Norwich Lanes to the Royal Arcade’s Art Nouveau elegance, you’ll be amazed by the eclectic mix of quality, independent shops. There are two large city shopping centres, an unbelievable number of department stores and a rapidly growing vintage scene which is fast gaining an excellent reputation for its superb range of clothes and furniture on offer.
ALL THIS HAS LED TO NORWICH BECOMING THE HIGHEST RANKING RETAIL CENTRE IN THE REGION AND NORWICH LANES BEING NAMED 2014 GB HIGH STREET OF THE YEAR.
When you add that to fabulous historic buildings, amazing architecture, contemporary developments such as the Forum, which is home to the most visited public library in the UK, plus England’s largest open air market with nearly 200 stalls and you have a centre where you’ll want to linger longer.
Norwich doesn’t just offer a fantastic daytime experience. When night falls the place comes alive with an impressive array of gastro pubs, restaurants and a lively micro-brewery industry. You can quite easily find a different food experience every night alongside a bustling bar culture, with a lively mix of stylish sophistication, bohemian hangouts and retro cocktail chic.
