PLEASE KEEP SHARING.
Well... that's a perfect way to spend 5 hours. GOD - I love our history!
In brief, here are the closing comments.
Read
Absorb
Wait for Historic England's decision - the hard bit!!!
1. A Unified Royal Vision The motorbike park was not an accidental addition; it was a deliberate component of the grand 1930s redesign of Norwich’s civic heart, and it deserves to receive the same listed protection as its surroundings rather than being considered a separate, dispensable entity. The park was established at the exact same time King George VI and Queen Elizabeth officially opened City Hall on 29th October 1938. This major national event marked the completion of one of the finest interwar municipal projects in the UK. The provision for motorcycle parking was a forward-thinking element of this "New Norwich" vision, designed by architects C.H. James and S.R. Pierce to integrate modern transport directly into the setting of the now Grade II listed City Hall.
2. Functional Relationship with Grade I and II Assets The site serves as a vital functional "buffer" and gateway between the Grade II City Hall and the Grade I listed St Peter Mancroft. For nearly 90 years, it has maintained the open character of St Peters Street, preserving the historic sightlines that were carefully planned during the 1938 reconstruction. To alter this space on a whim during the 2026 Market Revamp would be to dismantle the unified architectural and civic intent of the 1938 Royal opening.
3. The Modern Terminus of a 1,000-Year Trade This site is the modern-day successor to the horse-hitching posts that once served the Norman Market (est. 1070s). It continues the 1,000-year national trading history between Norwich and Northwich—exchanging Norfolk wool and textiles for Cheshire salt. To honour this, I am working towards a national ‘Salt Run’ in 2028 to celebrate the park's 90th anniversary. Listing this site protects the living heritage of the 1938 masterplan and the national biking community that has been its custodian for nine decades.