Council to discuss final go-ahead for St George’s Guildhall regeneration

The final go ahead to restore St George’s Guildhall in King's Lynn could be given this month, as costs run to over 30 million.

West Norfolk Council hope it will become “an international visitor attraction and a space for the community” and describe it as “a game-changing regeneration project”.

It also promises to ‘sensitively preserve and enhance’ the 600 year old building, which is believed to have once hosted Shakespeare.

Councillor Simon Ring, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, says costs have increased “largely because our ambition for what it will deliver has increased - we want to do this right, deliver something King’s Lynn can be proud of and benefit from for years to come.”

The plan is to turn the empty buildings and courtyards into eating spaces, a workshop and exhibition space and offer a year-round programme of performances, events and education programmes.

It’s hoped the project will generate more than 30 million in economic benefit and create more than a hundred jobs in the first 15 years.

A full council meeting to approve the updated costs and funding plans is due to take place on the 17th (July).

“We already have £8.1m of Government Town Deal investment agreed, with a further £2m being sought, and we’re actively in discussions around securing additional significant external funding, which if successful which will reduce the amount the council ultimately needs to commit.” Councillor Ring adds.

If approved work is expected to start this autumn and reopen to the pubic in 2028.