As plans are revealed for 55 new homes in a historic city centre site, we take a look at the history of 125-133 King Street.

The buildings, which are said to have been owned by Sir William Boleyn, can be traced back to the early 16th century and sit next to the Grade I listed Dragon Hall.

Norwich Evening News: The site, to the right of Dragon Hall, could become 55 homes under new proposals The site, to the right of Dragon Hall, could become 55 homes under new proposals (Image: EDP archive)

 

Evening News archives show that in the mid 20th century the Grade II* site housed a bakery famous for its Hovis at 125 and a fish and chips shop at 125A.

The latest proposals for a housing development would see 125-125A divided vertically into four townhouses, with gardens and parking to the rear, while the buildings at 127 and 129 would be converted into eight apartments. 

Norwich Evening News: Evening News archives show that in the mid 20th century the Grade II* site housed a bakers famous for its Hovis at 125 and a fish and chips shop at 125AEvening News archives show that in the mid 20th century the Grade II* site housed a bakers famous for its Hovis at 125 and a fish and chips shop at 125A (Image: EDP archive)

Discount superstore BB (Big Barry) Adams purchased the property in 1984, with the site quickly becoming the company's flagship outlet.

It was opened by a celebrity guest on Thursday, June 21, 1984, as National Hunt jockey Jonjo O'Neill did the honours after a £1m refurbishment, as the company left its Guildhall Hill home of 20 years.

BB Adams was said to be one of the UK's largest independent electrical retailers before merging with Bennetts and Fountain in 1986.

The building is believed to have been vacant since the superstore closed in the 1990s.

Norwich Evening News: BB Adams was said to be one of the UK's largest independent electrical retailers before merging with Bennetts and Fountain in 1986BB Adams was said to be one of the UK's largest independent electrical retailers before merging with Bennetts and Fountain in 1986 (Image: EDP archive)

Planning permission was granted in 2012 by Norwich City Council to convert the site into homes - but no work ever started.

The former BB Adams sits next to the historic Dragon Hall which dates back to the 15th century - during which King Street was Norwich's main road.

Norwich Evening News: BB Adams opening at the siteBB Adams opening at the site (Image: EDP archive)

Filled with a combination of medieval and Georgian architecture, the street was once home to almost 60 pubs and a number of breweries.

In 1985, the road's last beer factory, the Old Brewery, shut and public houses up and down King Street started to follow suit.

Of the 58 pubs which were once on this street, only one - the Last Pub Standing - survives today.