Norwich City Council has unveiled a new, improved suite of signage for the much‑loved Riverside Walk, helping residents and visitors navigate one of the city’s most treasured green corridors with greater ease and clarity.
The project, funded by the Greater Norwich Growth Board (GNGB), introduces a standardised family of signs designed to better waymark the route, highlight key access points, and give all users clearer information to help them navigate the walk with confidence.
Clearer signage and updated poster boards will now guide walkers, runners, and cyclists along the river, including advising on diversion points where necessary.
Riverside Walk is one of Norwich’s defining features – a peaceful, winding path that connects the city’s heritage, wildlife, and communities. It remains a favourite route for residents looking for quiet moments in nature, and for visitors discovering the city from a different perspective along the water.
As part of the project, the new signage has been designed to align with the iconic roundel logo that has symbolised Riverside Walk for over four decades. Remarkably, that logo was created in 1985 by 10‑year‑old schoolboy Scott Chapman, who won a competition in a local newspaper – never imagining his design would become a lasting feature of the city.
Scott recently learned that his original metal signs were being retired, sparking a wave of memories and reconnections with old friends who remembered his childhood achievement. Reflecting on the new signage, he said:
“I only emailed the council to ask if I could keep the old signs as family keepsakes – I didn’t expect anything more. I was blown away when the council shared the plans for the new signage. I think it looks great! Forty years on, I didn’t expect my designs to still be there.”
“I shared photos of both the original and new signs online, and friends I haven’t spoken to for years got in touch saying they remembered me winning the competition. It’s been lovely – even my youngest daughter, who’s 18, was impressed. She couldn’t quite believe I designed the original logo.”
Scott also recalled the day the very first sign was unveiled near Pulls Ferry: “My mum and dad were there along with some school friends. Seeing that moment come back around has been really special.”
Commenting on the launch of the new signage, Councillor Mike Stonard, Chair of the Greater Norwich Growth Board, said: “Riverside Walk is one of Norwich’s most cherished spaces, and it’s important that everyone can enjoy it with ease and confidence. This project reflects our commitment to investing in the places that connect our communities and showcase the city at its best. The refreshed signage will help more people explore and appreciate this unique route for years to come.”
Cllr Emma Hampton, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for climate and environment, said: “This refreshed signage suite gives Riverside Walk a fresh look while keeping the spirit of Scott’s original design alive. His logo has become part of the city’s story, and it’s wonderful to see it continue to inspire how we welcome people to this much‑loved route. Thanks to GNGB funding, this project is another important step in supporting our green spaces and enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike.”
The new signage suite is now being installed along the route, reflecting Scott’s original design while providing modern, consistent information for all who use the Riverside Walk.
For more information, visit: Riverside Walk | Norwich City Council
