NEWS ARCHIVE

DUKE’S WHARF PLANS APPROVED | 03/10/08

Targetfollow are delighted with the decision of Norwich City Council Planning Committee to support the redevelopment proposal for Duke’s Wharf in Norwich City Centre, with a resolution to grant planning approval today.

The Duke’s Wharf scheme will rejuvenate the former Eastern Electricity site into a vibrant high quality mixed use development of over 200,000 sq ft of commercial accommodation comprising offices, restaurants and cafes together with 16 residential units and 93 car parking spaces. This two acre site which has remained vacant since the late 1990s is set to become one of the City’s principle business venues as well as an attractive place to live and visit. The development will also include an art gallery, a public courtyard and garden, and will introduce a new riverside walkway and pedestrian links anchoring Duke’s Wharf with Duke Street, Charing Cross and The Lanes.

Targetfollow will now be seeking to quickly complete the planning process so that the company can secure funding in what are currently challenging economic conditions for any development project. Once this funding is in place the physical work on the site will then commence.

James Smith, Targetfollow’s Associate Director for Development, welcomed today’s decision and said; “We are delighted by the support for this scheme which has been very well received by the business community in the City. Our intention is to create a highly desirable destination for people to live and work in. Duke’s Wharf will offer quality space in the heart of the City Centre in this outstanding location next to the river.”

The design for the development is a collaboration of ideas between Feilden + Mawson Architects and Art Architecture, both of which are local practices based in Norwich. The plans retain the 1910 Boardman Buildings at the top of Duke Street, which will be an integral part of the new scheme. This will add an historical context to the proposals and will create a real mixture of old and new buildings. The design team have also proposed an exciting concept for the residential element of the development which will contain both flats and houses.

Philip Bodie, Partner of lead architects Feilden and Mawson, said; “Having made the decision to retain the Boardman Buildings, this led to a fresh look at the architectural approach for the whole development. This process has resulted in what the team believes will be an exceptional piece of architecture that will enhance this part of Norwich City Centre.”

The Project embraces Targetfollow’s strong environmental aspirations with the new buildings aiming to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and will have a low carbon footprint in terms of energy use. The residential units will achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 as a minimum.

James Smith added that; “Targetfollow hope to commence site enabling works with the completion of our archaeological investigations once finance and planning conditions are resolved. The development will be outstanding both in architectural and environmental terms and will be the first step in regenerating this area of the City. The mix of uses with cafes, shops, residential, offices, and a high quality public realm and artwork will make this a highly attractive new City Centre location. “

One of the first occupiers could be Targetfollow itself, as Duke’s Wharf could become the company’s new UK headquarters.