In praise of Norwich City Council...

It's all too easy to complain about local councils but there are two good reasons to praise Norwich City Council today as listed below:

Firstly, it's sad to say that Colman’s Mustard is no longer made in Norwich. Production was moved to the Midlands in 2020 after being produced in Norwich for 160 years.  There was some good news today though as The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has granted listed status to a number of locations in Carrow and Trowse where, in the company's heyday, thousands of people worked at its sprawling complex.  It comes after experts from Historic England carried out an investigation of the buildings at the request of Norwich City Council. The authority wanted a survey of heritage sites in the area before much of it is regenerated as part of a huge £653m development known as the East Norwich Masterplan. The plan includes the building of 3,500 homes and to create 6,000 jobs in the area around the former Colman’s factory.

Carrow House, already listed at Grade II in 1986, has had new information added to the list entry to give more detail.  Jeremiah James Colman extensively rebuilt the mid-19th century villa between 1860 and 1861. Other sites linked to industry in the same area of the city have been newly listed at Grade II including the former Trowse railway station, the late 19th century engine house at Trowse sewage pumping station and its early 20th century replacement.

Caroline Skinner, listing team leader at Historic England, said: "Thanks to the foresight of Norwich City Council, who involved Historic England in the early stages of the East Norwich Strategic Regeneration Area, these fascinating buildings can continue to tell an important story of a local industry that became a globally recognised brand, and the societal changes that took place in the town at this time."



Secondly, on a more sombre note, Norwich City Hall will be lit in the colours of the Ukrainian flag this evening in a show of support following Russia's invasion this morning. The city council says the building will be lit with the colours in a show of support for Ukrainians in "Norwich, Norfolk, the UK and their loved ones back home". A statement read: "The council is shocked and appalled by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, which breaks international law.