St Stephens Street in Norwich has been experiencing a decline in retail presence in recent years. It began in 2014 when QD announced the closure of its flagship store on the street. Subsequently, BHS, Debenhams, Shoe Zone, and Wilko all closed their doors, leaving several empty lots on the street. The empty units have divided opinions in the city, with some considering them an eyesore while others appreciate the street for its existing charm. The Norwich City Council attempted to revamp the road with £6.1m spent on improving infrastructure, but many residents believe it was a waste of money and did not address the core issues.
One suggestion to revitalize St Stephens Street is to attract more independent businesses that appeal to the younger generation. The addition of local independent brands could spark more interest and improve the area’s reputation. Some residents also propose the creation of an indoor marketplace in one of the empty units, providing a platform for artists and independent makers. Others advocate for community facilities, such as GPs and dentists, to occupy the vacant spaces for the benefit of local people. However, not everyone believes the street needs to change, with some expressing their fondness for the current atmosphere and suggesting that pedestrianization would be a beneficial improvement.
Property expert Guy Gowing highlights the challenges faced by St Stephens Street due to changing retail trends. He suggests that the future may be tough for the street and losing anchor stores like Wilko is a significant blow. Gowing proposes changing the use of the sites, potentially with a leisure offering, as St Stephens Street is well-positioned in the city center. The future of the former Debenhams building on the street is still uncertain, with Stanford Real Estate planning to demolish part of the unit to make room for student flats. The rest of the site would be occupied by shops on the lower floors and a 400-bed student accommodation complex.
Overall, the decline of retail on St Stephens Street has sparked divided opinions in Norwich. The city council’s revamp efforts have been met with criticism, and residents have proposed various solutions to attract businesses and improve the area. Some appreciate the existing charm of the street, while others acknowledge the need for change and suggest alternative uses for the empty units. The future of the former Debenhams building remains uncertain, with plans to demolish part of it and construct a mixed-use development. The fate of St Stephens Street will depend on future developments and efforts to adapt to changing retail trends.
