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Insurance broker quashes speculation it could move

Neve Gordon-Farleigh
BBC News, Norfolk
Eleanor Storey
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Neve Gordon-Farleigh/BBC The outside of the Aviva headquarters on Surrey Street in Norwich. A sign is outside the front of the building which says AVIVA and has the company's blue, yellow and green logo.Neve Gordon-Farleigh/BBC
Aviva has been in Norwich since 1792

A major insurance broker has quashed speculation it could move from its city headquarters after news it invested in a £350m housing project.

Aviva, which is based at Surrey House in Norwich, has entered into an investment partnership with Norwich City Council for redevelopment works on a derelict shopping centre, Anglia Square.

Demolition began at the site this month and traders have been moved out ahead of the work getting under way.

A spokesperson for Aviva said: "The Anglia Square development is currently focused on building sustainable new homes for local people."

The company would not comment on whether it planned to relocate its operations to Anglia Square following the redevelopment, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

With no significant office space planned for the site, the company said: "We are committed to Norwich going forward and have no plans to leave the area."

Aviva Mike Stonard leader of Norwich City Council is standing next to and shaking hands with Ben Luckett from Aviva. Mr Stonard is wearing a black suit jacket and glasses and is looking directly at the camera and smiling. Mr Luckett is also looking directly at the camera and is wearing a black and grey suit jacket. Aviva
Ben Luckett (right) said the company's role in Anglia Square is the next step in its historic partnership with the city

Norwich City Council acquired the site after years of uncertainty and unsuccessful development attempts and confirmed the work would be completed by March 2026.

The £350m revamp will transform the area with 1,100 new homes, offices, shops and leisure space.

The council has not confirmed how much Aviva would be contributing to the project, but said it would be committing a "significant financial sum" to fund about 200 homes.

The joint venture agreement has been signed with Aviva Capital Partners, which invests in development projects across the UK.

Ben Luckett, the chair of Aviva Capital Partners and Norwich Community Ambassador, said: "Aviva is proud to be making such a major investment in Norwich, a city which has been our home for over 200 years.

"This vital regeneration project will bring significant economic and social benefits, helping Norwich get ready for the future.

"Our role in the regeneration of Anglia Square is the next step in our historic partnership with the Fine City."

Formerly known as Norwich Union, the broker has resided in the city since 1792.

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