The factory where Colman’s Mustard was produced for more than 160 years is set for transformation after it was acquired by Homes England with the support of Browne Jacobson.

Carrow Works, a 17-hectare site in east Norwich, was the historic home of the iconic condiment from 1854 until its closure in 2020. 

UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson advised Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, on its acquisition of the site.

Carrow Works forms part of the wider East Norwich Strategic Regeneration Area, which has been identified by Norwich City Council for the delivery of up to 3,500 homes. It will also feature a new employment space, public spaces, and improved access to the rivers Wensum and Yare, The Broads and surrounding green spaces. 

Anna Clifford, Principal Associate in the Real estate team at Browne Jacobson, led on the transaction, supported by Omar Sarwar (Associate, real estate), Scott Mounfield (Partner, construction), Alex Kynoch (Partner, subsidy control), Kerren Daly (Partner, employment) and Athina Agrafioti (Associate, commercial).

Anna said: “Carrow Works is an iconic site with a varied and interesting history so we’re very proud to be assisting with bringing this historic site back into use.

“It is a complex site due a number of constraints and we have had to work across numerous departments to deliver relevant advice to Homes England but we’re excited to be in a position to now secure its vast potential.

“Regenerating our towns and cities while delivering new housing are among society’s biggest issues and a key driver in the government's economic growth mission. We’re excited to see how this transformative project helps to realise these ambitions.”

Homes England will now work closely with Norwich City Council and other partners to develop detailed proposals for the site, which was also used for production of Robinson’s squash drinks from 1925.  

Engagement with residents, stakeholders and local organisations will play a key role in shaping the future of Carrow Works, ensuring its heritage is sensitively managed and integrated into a new urban quarter for the city. 

Alison Crofton, Chief Regional Delivery Officer at Homes England, said: “The acquisition of Carrow Works marks a significant step forward in the regeneration of East Norwich and toward the delivery of a new vibrant community.  

“This is a prime example of how Homes England is working collaboratively with Norwich City Council to turn this complex brownfield site into a thriving neighbourhood that will provide much-needed homes.”  

This is the latest regeneration scheme in Norwich that Browne Jacobson has supported, having advised Norwich City Council on its acquisition of Anglia Square Shopping Centre from an investor. The local authority plans to redevelop that site into a mixed-use scheme comprising 1,100 new homes alongside a variety of retail, office and leisure spaces. 

The firm is also advising Homes England on its ongoing acquisition of the former Merseyside Police headquarters at Canning Place, in Liverpool. The agency is currently working on plans to turn the site into a mixed-use waterfront development, comprising residential, retail, leisure and commercial spaces.