Anglia Square

The Campaign

The Norwich Renters Collective (NRC) rallied around a clear demand: that Norwich City Council uphold its own affordable housing policy — requiring large developments to include at least 33% genuinely affordable and social homes. This campaign is about stopping Anglia Square from becoming another luxury build that prices people out and making sure it reflects what local renters really need: secure, affordable homes that let them stay and thrive in their community. What started as a small group of passionate renters has grown into a powerful collective. NRC used grassroots organising—door knocking, pub quizzes, and pub crawls—to bring people together and build community power. Many of those involved had never seen themselves as activists before, but NRC’s work empowered them to take the fight to local authorities and developers. As the campaign gained momentum, NRC built relationships with key councillors and MPs to make sure their voices were heard at every level. In December 2024, their efforts paid off: Norwich City Council purchased the Anglia Square site. This means future development will be  shaped by public interest—not corporate profit. 

The Change

While original plans included just 10% “affordable” housing, the council is now committed to delivering at least 50% social housing. NRC is continuing to push for 50%, and they’ve reshaped the entire conversation about what kind of housing Norwich needs. Their campaign has given renters a platform to lead the debate on housing justice. They’ve shown that the people most affected by gentrification don’t need to wait for permission to speak—they can lead. 

The Future

With the site now in public hands, NRC is fighting to ensure this development becomes a model for how cities can do housing differently. The campaign has made clear that when communities are organised and united, they can take on powerful forces—and win.