Back in October, Norwich City announced their ambitious redevelopment plans for Carrow Road, with the aim to modernise the stadium and enhance the fan experience while boosting revenues.
However, after severe fan backlash due to the intention to move thousands of season ticket holders, the project has officially been put on hold and the plans have been shelved for the time being, with majority shareholder Mark Attanasio admitting that the club need to “step back.”
According to the Canaries' original announcement, an application was to be submitted for planning submission for a new external fan zone behind the Barclay Stand.
There would also be upgrades to the Regency Security Stand and a section of the South Stand, with construction expected to start by November 2025. Club officials argued that these changes would bring fans closer together and add new life to the matchday atmosphere.
Read on below as Football Ground Guide goes over Norwich's original plans in more detail.
Club to relocate some season ticket holders and away fans
Norwich confirmed that season ticket holders in the lower tier of the Regency Security Stand and part of the South Stand would need to move to other sections of the stadium as part of the redevelopment.
The club said that affected season ticket holders would be given first choice when renewals open ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, and a priority would be offered to ensure they could relocate to new seats with friends and family where possible.
This will help to maintain long-standing fan groups and preserve the communal matchday atmosphere that defines Carrow Road.
After that initial window, fans in other areas of the stadium would also have a chance to change their seats under the updated layout.
The new stadium map would see away fans moved to the lower tier of the Regency Security Stand, while the South Stand would be upgraded to include a new premium hospitality area as the club continued reshaping the matchday experience for all supporters.
Carrow Road redevelopment phases
Norwich announced a four-phase redevelopment plan for Carrow Road, starting with a new fan zone behind the Barclay Stand.
The space was to be open before and after matches for all home supporters. The club was working with City and County councils and plans to submit a planning application after local consultations.
Phase two would re-map Carrow Road’s layout to improve the matchday atmosphere and create tailored experiences, with the new sections featuring themed entertainment, diverse food options, and family-friendly areas with Captain Canary appearances.
However, some season ticket holders – especially in the lower Regency Security Stand and part of the South Stand – would need to relocate to new seats at that point.
In phase three, the club intended to upgrade and expand premium hospitality spaces across the Regency Security, Barclay, and South Stand sections. These areas would receive modernised facilities and enhanced offerings to appeal to fans looking for an elevated matchday experience.
The final phase would see preparations for a potential redevelopment of the City Stand, which remains under active review. By completing the earlier stages successfully, the club hoped to create the foundation needed to take on a more substantial rebuild in the future.
FGG Says
Norwich City's redevelopment plans showed genuine ambition, but despite a focus on fan engagement and modernised facilities, the club overreached with their intention to move thousands of long-standing season ticket holders.
It remains to be seen in what form the Canaries' plans will resurface (and when), but some disruption for season ticket holders is unavoidable, and it would be fair to say that the overall vision promises a richer matchday experience, with the inclusion of family zones, diverse entertainment, and better hospitality.