A new entrance into one of Norwich’s best loved historic green spaces, Kett’s Heights, will be open for use by visitors from this weekend.
The new entrance, giving access to the site from Ladbrooke Place, is the final part of a project to make the wooded and garden areas more accessible-friendly for all to enjoy the fantastic views from the heights across the city.
The improvements were designed and managed by Norwich City Council’s team of landscape architects.
£312,000 funding for the project came from the Greater Norwich Growth Board through the Infrastructure Investment Fund, with a top-up from the city council. It has provided the new ramped access into the site with resurfacing of the entrance path with resin bound gravel, and a widening of the approach with parking for bikes, amongst other works.
The council works with the Friends of Kett’s Heights and Norwich Fringe Project to improve and maintain the site. Kett’s Heights was recently awarded a Green Flag Award® which recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. It still contains the remains of a medieval chapel and 19th century garden terraces, and as a strategic viewpoint overlooking Norwich was the hill from which rebel Robert Kett and his 10,000 followers besieged the city in 1549.
An official opening event is to be organised by the council in the early autumn in partnership with the Friends of Kett’s Heights and Greater Norwich Growth Board.
Norwich City Councillor Emma Hampton, cabinet member with responsibility for the city’s Parks and Open Spaces, said: “We’re so pleased that the completed work at Kett’s Heights now enables this very special site to be visited by everyone, no matter what their level of mobility may be. The views from its paths across the city are spectacular and should be enjoyed by as many visitors as possible. Getting out into the lovely green spaces that we have in our city is of real benefit, both for the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents; while protecting and maintaining our green and open spaces improves biodiversity and the quality of the air we breathe.”
Broadland District Councillor Sue Holland, Chair of the Greater Norwich Growth Board, said: “This project is a great example of the benefits of the Greater Norwich partnership. By working together, we can ensure that infrastructure projects, both large and small can be delivered, improving the quality of life of our residents.”
Cavan Stewart, chairman of the Friends of Kett’s Heights, Cavan Stewart said: “The Friends of Kett’s Heights are pleased this new entrance is now open, providing better access for people visiting the site. We will continue to work with the city council to make this much-loved open space an attraction to visitors and a timeless memorial to Robert Kett.”
