'Coal Shed' to become new unmanned Tourist Information Centre
- By Elaine Bird
- 12 June 2020
- Hunstanton
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Since the closure of Hunstanton's Tourist Information Centre due to the coronavirus pandemic, finding a way of delivering leaflets, maps and tourist information to holidaymakers in a safe way over the coming months has been something of a challenge.
A novel solution has been found in the 'Coal Shed' - the last remaining building associated with Hunstanton's Railway situated on Le Strange Terrace - which is being turned into Hunstanton's first unmanned Tourist Information Centre.
The Coal Shed was converted into an art gallery with help from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Council in 2008 and with support from Hunstanton Civic Society. The once-derelict building was beautifully converted into a gallery space to promote access to art in the Hunstanton area. However, the building has been unused since then but is set to get a new lease of life thanks to Hunstanton Town Council in association with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk.
It is hoped the new unmanned Tourist Information Centre will be up and running within the next few weeks. The borough council and town council will be working together on signage to ensure visitors can safely access the information they need to enjoy all aspects of Hunstanton and local surroundings.
Hunstanton's Mayor Cllr Tony Bishopp said:
"We are delighted to be able to bring this lovely building back into use once more as our new unmanned Tourist Information Centre and look forward to welcoming visitors back to our lovely town.
I would also like to thank the staff who manned our Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall for their hard work and dedication over the years and wish them all the very best for the future."
Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Health, said:
“It is very positive news that a centralised provision of tourist information will remain at Hunstanton, now in this great building, to inform and direct our visitors. We will work with local distributors, Hunstanton Town Council and partners to make sure the tourist information available at the Coal Shed best serves our visitors as the tourism industry responds to the 'new normal'."