Norwich Lanes 'City High Street Of The Year'

8 November 2014, 07:17 | Updated: 8 November 2014, 07:38

The Norwich Lanes have been named the City High Street of the Year in a competition supported by the government.

The national competition, launched by the Future High Street Forum, celebrates the achievements of local people in making their high streets great places to live, work and shop.

The winners were selected across a range of categories for their ability to create, collaborate and adapt to changing shoppers' habits.

Shops in the area have won a share of £50,000 as well as support and mentoring from industry experts.

The award received more than 135 entries across the UK and the Lanes faced big competition.

Judges visited twenty-one shortlisted areas and the winners are:

  • City category - Norwich Lanes

  • Coastal category - Colwyn Bay

  • Market Category - Belper (chosen also as overall High Street Champion) 

  • Local Centre - Barnoldswick

  • Village - Broxburn

  • Town Centre - Wantage

  • London - Kingston

Norwich BID (Business Improvement District) Executive Director Stefan Gurney said: "I am delighted that through the work of Norwich BID, the Lanes has have been successful in winning this prestigious award which recognises Norwich on a national level. The Lanes is a truly unique shopping experience, unlike anywhere in the UK, with a diverse range of creative independent retailers. 

"The campaign received overwhelming support from the business community, public and celebrities including Stefan Fry! We have seen a real buzz in the city during the campaign process and we hope that winning the Great British High Street of the Year Award will continue to attract visitors into the Norwich Lanes."

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Britain's High Streets have a long and proud history - and a special place at the heart of many communities. This competition celebrates the excellent work that is reinvigorating many of our High Streets and highlights ideas that other places can use.

"High Streets are an important part of our long-term economic plan to help communities reach their full potential, create new opportunities and secure a brighter future for people across Britain. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who entered the competition."

High Streets Minister Penny Mordaunt said: "We were really impressed with how people have thrown down the gauntlet for the Great British High Street and shown what's possible on the nation's shopping streets. Communities, traders and businesses are absolutely fizzing with bright ideas and initiatives to make our high streets great places to work, shop and live. I want to extend my congratulations to all of them. 

"It's fantastic to see the team-work and energy that people are putting in to our high streets and this commitment to innovation and collaboration really shone through in all the finalists."