Barn Road Gateway - Marriott's Way

This scheme was part of a programme of projects being developed through the Marriott’s Way Implementation & Delivery Plan 2015-2025. The Barn Road Gateway was identified through the public consultation as a significant problem and was consequently a high priority in the plan. A number of factors were identified as likely to reduce the usage of the site, including:

• overgrown planting concealing the entrance,
• poor street furniture
• hard to read signage
• unclear layout of the site

This project aimed to address these issues

 The GNGB contributed £45,000 towards works to address these issues, alongside an £8000 contribution from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and other funding streams. The programme of works to enhance the Barn Road entry to Marriott’s Way successfully achieved the following outcomes:

• Improved visibility of the entrance to Marriott's Way – achieved by the removal of a number of trees and shrubs.
• Improve pedestrian and cycle access – achieved by the installation of new pedestrian and cycle links as well as cycle racks.
• Review existing signage to improve and reduce clutter – achieved, additional signage was incorporated within the design.
• Provide ecological mitigation and enhancement – achieved by replacement tree planting.
• Provide opportunities for volunteering – achieved, Norwich Fringe Project volunteers have been involved with improvements to the historic railway platform and vegetation removal.

Marriott’s Way is a key strategic Green Infrastructure site in Greater Norwich, as well as a valuable route for physical activity and active travel. This project improves the quality of existing Green Infrastructure in order to encourage the local community to use it, and therefore enhance their health and wellbeing.  The design of the project was careful tailored to protect the historic remains of the railway, and provide the added benefits of reducing street clutter and antisocial behaviour.