But whatever your opinion of Anglia Square, today marks a pivotal moment in Norwich history as work to raise the brutalist behemoth to the ground has begun.

The former shopping centre is being bulldozed to make way for 1,100 homes as part of a £350m scheme which aims to regenerate the area and provide hundreds of affordable homes.

It is one of the most significant projects to take place in the city for decades and has taken 20 years to come to fruition since plans first emerged.

Demolition work starts on the Anglia Square buildings. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Anglia Square sign breaks as demolition work is started on the buildings. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The wider complex being demolished includes the 1960s shopping centre, a multi-storey car park, Sovereign House, which was once home to Her Majesty's Stationery Office, and the former Hollywood Cinema.

Demolition work starts on the Anglia Square buildings. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The demolition work is expected to take about six months to complete, paving the way for construction to begin in spring 2026.

Norwich City Council leader Mike Stonard and cabinet member for major projects, Carli Harper, celebrate the start of Anglia Square demolition work........

© Norwich Evening News