I love this place but i couldn't live in its ghostly, dilapidated shadow, without the aid of Prozac, various strong liquors, and copious quantities of Poundland chocolates. For Anglia Square, despite its understated charms, has one of the most hedious streetscapes in the UK. The film "Joker" could have used its environs as a backdrop to Gotham City, without having to go to the expense of building sets or budgeting to make it more awful than it already is. Indeed it is so awful that it would be an idea to market Anglia Square as film set for a range of dystopian movies, It would bring much needed revenue and skills to this neglected part of Norwich. The shopping centre itself is cool. The central square echoes in its design the cloisters of the medieval cathedral. All the shops offer very good value. Some of the charity shops could be more aptly described as "junk shops" as most of what they sell is unfortunately just junk. The area is friendly and is kept reasonabley clean. Unlike in the centre of Norwich, there are no "Big Issue" sellers every 30 yards, aggressively pushing phoney greetings upon you. Or tragic young people, begging you to make a financial contribution to their drug dealers lavish lifestyle. Instead you can walk, shop and even chat to strangers with pleasure and ease. For those new to Norwich, Anglia Square is not signposted. You can walk there from the centre in two ways: 1) Take your copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Make your way to the tiny medieval church of St Smythians, down Muggleston Way. Knock thrice and knock firmly. The door will open and in the nave you will see the great Plantagenet time-warp chest, enter the great chest and you will exit in the back of the Wand Shop, that's run by the kindly toad-faced lady of Anglica Square. 2) Or: make your way to St Andrews Brew House. Anglia Square is a simple and pleasant 10 minute stroll from there. Walk along St Georges Street, crossing the bridge; turn right at Cross Lane, then turn right at Golden Dog lane, in front you will see an attractive tiny alley of old houses, walk through, it will take you to Magdalene Street, turn left and you will see Anglia Square in front of you.

"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy." I've loved Anglia Square for all the years I've lived in Norwich, from a destitute student to a struggling adult. It has changed immensely, yet stays the same. A thriving cultural hub, simultaneously Norwich's hidden gem and thorn in its side. A must visit, just hold on to your wallet.

Built in 1970 and in need of being redeveloped once again. Hopefully the £300m plan, which has just been approved, will bring more light onto the area while keeping the friendly community intact.

This place is awful. It's dated grimy uncared for appearance doesn't do much to attract people and new better quality businesses. The charity shops have taken over, adding to the grimy appearance and overall feeling of poverty and neglect. Anglia Square itself used to be a nice shopping precinct with reasonably priced shops, good eateries, two nightclubs, a popular gym and cinema with it's own nearby parking. Now, it's on my 'avoid whenever possible list'. Norwich City Council had plans to renovate Magdalen Street and Anglia Square but clearly its been forgotten about again.

I still like this typical 60s edifice. It has it's own character and is a bit run down, but still has just enough to make it worth a visit. The adjoining streets offer more individual shops which are an attraction for many. Oh this does need to be developed, but not to be a sterile wasteland full of as many flats as greedy developers can cram in. This is an historical part of Norwich and has a chance to be that elusive phoenix rising back from the ashes Damn that's almost poetic.

The Anglia square contain many other businesses including savers, Iceland, 3 different charity stores, Gregg's, QD store and the boot shop seems to have closed

The shops are good, but the area is in a poor state. The government hasn't helped by abandoning the old stationary office which is a huge eyesore and needs demolishimg

Whilst its looking its age and tired, Anglia Square offers a great range of shops to support the community, from exotic foods, vegan baking to charity shops and car sales. We especially love Random Buns of Kindness who open their doors for Bun Club once a month (but we dont talk about Bun Club)

Throwback to the 80s would sum it up. Lots of plans been submitted to fix the area and all rejected by people that don't like change. This place definately needs anything to replace and modernise it

Built in the 60's this place is falling apart and in dire need of a revamp. It has a Gregg's which is well used and a local butchers plus Boots, Poundland, and QD. They're the only redeeming feature of this backend of Norwich. If you need to visit at your own risk then do so.

Love it here, ernies zero waste is brilliant and so stocked and even a with Peanut butter machine! All the charity shops have loads of treasures to find!

Run down due to future redevelopment being on the cards. However, the shops that remain open are nice and friendly. There is an exceptional cafe situated in the precinct, well worth a visit for a cuppa and sandwich or a full meal. Very friendly with reasonable prices and good service.

Lots to see with a range small shops within the garden centre. Excellent cafe with a good range of snacks and meals. Healthy looking house plants and great selection of seeds. Loads more to see, including a free to visit garden and children’s playground.

Absolutely pointless going after the migration or complete closing of many of the shops, time to realise, thats not the city centre anymore. Should have been pulled down sooner.

It's a bit run down and is waiting for re-development! It is what it is! Lots of discount shops I.e. Poundland, QD, Roys and these are surrounded by an abundance of charity shops. Also a Card Factory, Greg's and greasy spoon type cafe. If you venture on to Magdalen Street, you will find some trendy cafe's and coffee shops. There is ample parking accessed via Botolph Street which is £5.50 a day (via the NCP website and slightly more if you pay in cash).

Easy to park and no queues though I was there at 9am,maybe different at other times.

Magdalen a quirky street. Bric-a-brac shops, one or two nice cafes, lovely curtain shop, drapers, little arty shops, charity shops and good pubs. The problem is that around the flyover is a hang-out for down- and-outs too. Some litter and it's pretty smelly in this heat. Some of the cafes and shops look dirty. It's a shame that the brutalist architecture is due to be demolished but the area does need a tidy-up.

I can understand why some people don't feel safe in the square,to many people sitting about and watching every move you make

Good variety of budget shops, looking more rundown as the years go by. Looking forward to seeing the revamp.

Sadly due for demolition so empty stores dominate those still in buisness, making it feel rather dull & abandoned. Boots chemist have slightly higher charges on certain items than their larger branch further in the city too.

It’s a big shopping area with several charity shops, card factory, pound land, Iceland, Gregg’s and other restaurants and pubs. One can easily get what you’re looking for. It also has an African store which is very handy.

Really looking tired now. The sooner the redevelopment happens the better. Until then there's still a reasonable selection of stores, with QD offering some bargains.

Looking very run down now, lots of people openly using alcohol and taking and dealing drugs openly it doesn't feel very safe and I try not to go unless I really have to.

The long-awaited redevelopment can't come soon enough on this old relic. Brutalist, grey concrete everywhere, and sad, forgotten shops give it a zombie-like atmosphere.

Ive lived in and been up this way for over 15yrs now and can't help but think that this place is abit forgotten and needs a little love a little money put into it. Some nice places have been updated for example the new Greg's is alot cleaner and there are also some really nice little small independent businesses and coffee shops. I've only given it a 3 star rating as I haven't seen much improvement to the area it's a little rundown but if you can overlook that you may find a bargain or two.

Very run down, quite an eye sore but handy if you aren't travelling into city. Parking is at the back 60p for 30 mins.

This place needs investment but we love it in this household. Pete's is a great butcher, Rob does great fruit and veg and you can loads of bits from Ernies (with a guilt free conscience too)

Mixed food and household items shopping centre. Showing signs of wear these days. Main names: Poundland, B&Q, Iceland, Boots, Savers. Popular local community meeting place. Central glass covered piazza with bench seating.

Great place to get all sorts of bit's and pieces.

It's okay, some decent shops e.g. Poundland, QD, Iceland, Ernie's, however it seems to be quickly becoming a charity shop centre. One of the most useful shops to us (shoe zone) has closed down to be replaced by, yes you guessed it, ANOTHER charity shop! By all means try it if you haven't but don't expect a great selection of shops

This is super garage to take your car for repairs it s very reasonable in price. and very reliable and thorough will certainly use again if need to

We're at Anglia Square for our shopping always early just out of preference Shops nice and quiet and clean Shelves nice and full Great experience

Sadly the place is looking really tired and down. Ok to shop here but be glad if and when the place is rejuvenated hopefully to the good.

Oh dear! It has seen better days but there's some cheap shops still there. Green grocers has local produce and good selection of products

Went here for the eco shop! It's called Ernie's zero waste shop. They have food in dispensers , Bamboo products, like cotton buds, flannel, loo rolls ( cheaper than online) bar soaps, shower etc etc.

Very few shops, here that I use. A few charity shops here with some well known bigger stores. Constant issue with pigeon population and drunk folk hanging out here.

It’s alright, don’t recommend going at nice, and it doesn’t look pretty. But it has a lot, and the quality of the stores is good.

You're still able to shop in Anglia Square and make a whole day of it, prices at the moment are still reasonable for the moment even as the cost of living crisis is hammering 🔨 us at this time. Anglia Square will make you forget all that for a while at least Clothing, Local Butcher meat, Savers, Wilko, Banks are all down there, it's even warm enough to sit outside the local community pub to have a pint of beer and a packet of scampi if you like it.🍺 OR JUST HAVE A WALK AROUND BECAUSE THERE IS PLENTY OF SHOPS AND AREAS YOU CAN INVESTIGATE. +BIG CARPARK OUT BACK.🅿️🏧🚻♿🚼🚾🏁

Anglia Square is just a local shopping area in a housing estate. A charity shop with some local brands can be found. Nothing special, except the word "Anglia" which represents the long history of Norwich.

3 stars simply because of the range of charity shops and those poor shops that have still remained open in what can be described as dismal surroundings. This once was a buzzing place. The old Stationery office which is part of complex is a sad sign of the demise of area. Hopefully someone can inject some cash Into this area 🙏

Loved visiting the zero waste shop and charity shop here. Cycling isn't allowed due to pedestrian safety but some cycle racks would be handy. Had a bike light stolen in the 10 minutes my bike was parked.

Its just handy to go to anglia Square, it's not so busy as the city, and there's all the shops I need, can't go far as I'm 84 and have a job walking and have to use the bus

The grimmest exhibition of Brutalist architecture this side of Cwmbran. If ever you needed a low budget film set for a post-apolalyptic zombie movie, just turn up. Zombies are there stumbling around in costume.