Friars Quay (Norwich)

Friars Quay is a residential development which is recognised internationally as an outstanding example of a high density, high quality urban design of the 1970’s. The development is located in the Colegate area at the centre of Norwich, Norfolk, bounded on one side by the River Wensum and by a park and two notable bridges to the east and west. Several historic churches surround the site creating an attractive and varied landscape.

The original design consists of an arrangement of terraces that include a series of open spaces winding through the scheme culminating in a principal space facing water stairs and a ramp to the Wensum. Elevations are economical in conception with a richness in variety and spacing. There is simple paving and the use of rolled gravel in the surfaces to the highways and communal areas. The development was the subject of an article in the Architectural Review.

In recognition of the quality of the design Norwich City Council proposed in early 2004 to apply for Article 4 (2) Direction in order to reinforce the covenants that exist on the development. In April 2007 the City Council indicated that it would not proceed with Article 4 Direction but would instead place the development on its list of buildings of architectural importance. Friars Quay forms part of the City Centre Conservation area.

In the 1970’s Norwich City Council was seeking ways to encourage people to live in the centre of historic Norwich. Friars Quay was built on the former Jewsons Timber Yard.

City of Norwich formed a partnership with local developer RG Carter Ltd., to redevelop this prominent city centre industrial site. The scheme consists of 40 four and five bedroom townhouses and 9 ground floor flats.

On 3rd May 1972 planning permission was given for “the development of a builders’ merchants premises by the construction of roads, footpaths and 24 parking spaces and the erection of forty houses (22 with integral garages) at Colegate”. Included in the reasons for granting planning permission was “to protect and improve the amenity of the area, and ensure the maximum public use of the riverside”.

The architects responsible for the design were Ray Thompson and David Luckhurst of Feilden & Mawson who succeeded in redeveloping the area in sympathy with the surroundings. The development still remains distinctive and visually striking due to the highly pitched roof style. The award winning project is still quoted as an exemplary development for city centre schemes 30 years after its completion.

The scale of the architect's achievement can be seen in the fact that, after 30 years, no other riverside development in Norwich remotely approaches Friars Quay in either its distinctiveness or its unique visual signature. It was seen as being very avant guarde at the time of building and has taken several years to be accepted as desirable residences.

The development remains an attractive place to live, with its central location and riverside views. The generous design of the open spaces is especially appreciated by residents and visitors.

Friars Quay has a very active Residents Association which has been involved in discussions regarding conservation.

History

The history of the site must reflect the history of the River Wensum itself. The immediate history however relates to the use of the site as a timber yard until it was made available for development.

Jewsons Timber Yard was established by John Wilson Jewson who shipped in timbers by wherries from Great Yarmouth.

In 1868 George Jewson purchased a 17th century house in Colegate which was used as the headquarters of the business. His son Richard (1867 to 1949) established Jewsons as the largest timber merchants between the Thames and the Humber. Richard became Lord Mayor of Norwich in 1917.

The land was purchased by Norwich City Council in 1970.

External links

*Friars Quay Norwich - A Framework For Change. Produced by Norwich City Council - December 2004
*Friars Quay Norwich - A Guide For Residents. Produced by Norwich City Council - May 2005
*The New Architecture of Central Norwich. Produced by The Norwich Society - 2006.
*Perceptions of Privacy and Density in House. Report on Research Findings prepared for the Popular Housing Group - August 2003/

Official

* [http://www.communities.gov.uk/embedded_object.asp?id=1505080 Communities and Local Government Dept. Friars Quay Overview] Government Guidance For Good Architectural Design Using Friars Quay as an example
* [http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/64/Chapter2Understandingthecontext_id1505064.pdf Communities and Local Government Dept. Chap. 2 The Bigger Picture (Ed. The Context}]
* [http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/72/Chapter6Spaceinandaroundthehome_id1505072.pdf Communities and Local Government Dept. Chap. 6 Thinking About Space]
* [http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/73/Chapter7Thoroughnessindesign_id1505073.pdf Communities and Local Government Dept. Chap. 7 Thoroughness In Design]
* [http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/65/Chapter31Creatingamovementframework_id1505065.pdf Communities and Local Government Dept. Chap.31 Movement and place-making (Ed. Connections To Existing Areas}]
* [http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/66/Chapter32Managingthetraffic_id1505066.pdf Communities and Local Government Dept. Chap.32 Managing The Traffic]
* [http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/70/Chapter53Setbacks_id1505070.pdf Communities and Local Government Dept. Chap.53 Setbacks (Ed. From the Road Edge)]

http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/65/Chapter31Creatingamovementframework_id1505065.pdf

* [http://www.thenorwichsociety.co.uk The Norwich Society]
* [http://www.norwich.gov.uk Norwich City Council]
* [http://www.visitnorwich.co.uk Visit Norwich] - Official visitor guide

History

* [http://www.oldcity.org.uk/norwich Norwich The Old City]