Norwich City supporters have welcomed the club’s decision to suspend work on the planned redevelopment of Carrow Road. The project included the relocation of around 3,000 season-ticket holders, a proposal that had sparked strong opposition among the “Canaries” fanbase from the outset.

Four redevelopment phases and one major dispute

The redevelopment plan had been divided into four phases. The first involved the construction of a new fan zone, scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026. The main controversy centred on the second phase, planned for the 2026/27 season, which included moving the away supporters’ section to the lower tier of the River End. This would have forced the relocation of many Norwich supporters from that stand as well as part of the South Stand.

The third phase, planned for the 2027/28 season, aimed to introduce premium facilities across the River End, South Stand and Barclay Stand. The fourth and latest phase, expected to take place after 2028, involved preparations for a full reconstruction of the City Stand.

The restructuring of the seating plan in phase two remained the most contentious issue. Seventy-year-old supporter Tony Swan, who has sat in the River End for over half a century, launched a petition opposing the changes. During recent matches at Carrow Road, chants of We will not be moved echoed through the stands, becoming the informal slogan of the protest. For many fans, the forced relocation would not only have meant losing their familiar view, but also the breakup of long-established micro-communities.

© Norwich City FC

Fan pressure works as the club hits “pause”

The mounting tension surrounding the proposals led Norwich City to freeze the entire process. The club’s majority shareholder, Mark Attanasio, announced the decision in an interview with BBC Radio Norfolk, admitting that the board needed to take a step back after receiving numerous complaints.

Supporters used a special edition of the Canary Call programme to voice their concerns directly to Attanasio. Emma Grant said: I’m pleased the pause button has been pressed. At last there is a chance to reflect on how the club should communicate with its supporters.

Bridget James from Swaffham argued that the plans amounted to uprooting 3,000 fans in the name of corporate comfort. She also pointed out that the project had no impact on the team’s performance, with Norwich currently sitting second from bottom in the Championship.

© Ungry Young Man 

A Need for Clear Direction

Attanasio acknowledged that the club had made a mistake by not conducting wider consultations earlier. He promised a meeting with supporters, admitting that it should have taken place before the project was ever announced. A club statement echoed this stance, noting that all feedback would be reviewed and plans adjusted accordingly. Fans affected by the proposed relocation were assured they would keep their seats for at least the next year.

Journalist and Norwich supporter Jack Reeve from Talk Norwich City stressed that Attanasio’s decision to fly to the UK showed how seriously the club was treating the issue. The pause is necessary, but I’m concerned about the lack of coherent thinking and leadership. The club needs a clear vision, he said. After the announcement, the Canaries Trust issued a brief statement highlighting that the outcome demonstrated effective cooperation between different fan groups and the wider supporter community.