Page 6 - Town & Around - September 2024

6 Town & Around September 2024 Tel: 01485 540620 email: editor@townandaround.net
Green light for Guildhall plans

transformational project that will bring multi-million pounds
into West Norfolk’s economy and create national and
Ainternational interest in King’s Lynn has been endorsed.
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk’s Cabinet,
the King’s Lynn Town Board and the charity that will oversee the day
to day running of the complex have all expressed strong support for
the development of plans for the full renovation and refurbishment of
the historic Guildhall.
The Guildhall redevelopment will bring major benefits for the
borough, with estimates predicting that footfall and customer spend
could help to generate around £30M into the local economy. In
addition, a large number of jobs will be created through the project,
including during the construction and the ongoing operation of the site.
An ambition for the site is that it is a place for the whole community,
including low-cost tickets for local people and school visits, building
on the work with schools that has already begun.
Now, the plans for the Guildhall site, which will include the creation
of spaces for creative industries will move to RIBA stage 4 design
(technical design and procurement) with progress also underscored by “Realising the aspirations for this project will result in an exciting
the recent submission of the planning application for the project. and engaging space for local people and visitors alike. We expect the
Councillor Simon Ring, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for impact of the redevelopment of the Guildhall to be huge, and it could
Business and Culture said: “The Guildhall has the potential to be one truly be a transformational catalyst for the town and West Norfolk.”
of West Norfolk’s most popular visitor attractions with huge economic Natalie Evans, Baroness Evans of Bowes Park, Chair of Trustees of
benefits for our area. The project will support the creation of new the St George’s Guildhall and Creative Hub Charity said: “The
creative businesses and an exciting cultural venue for a whole range Guildhall is an iconic venue with enormous potential to bring cultural,
of activities, events and performances which will create a variety of educational and economic benefits to Lynn and West Norfolk. We are
jobs within the community. delighted by the Council’s renewed commitment to the regeneration
“This is a project that will benefit everyone in West Norfolk, and it of the site. Through close partnership working, we are laying the
represents an opportunity for businesses working in tourism, ground to ensure that, as a charity, we are in a position to maximise
hospitality, and retail which could benefit hugely from footfall the opportunity for local people and attract visitors from around the
generated by a revitalised Guildhall. world.”
“In addition, the redevelopment of the Guildhall could act as a
platform for the promotion of the rest of our wonderful heritage assets
in West Norfolk.”
At the heart of the plans for the Guildhall site is developing the
venue’s Shakespeare connections, with the original floorboards the
Bard is believed to have performed on discovered, in 2023, to date
from the early 15th century. Further research is taking place to explore
this exciting history, including the links with Robert Armin,
Shakespeare’s comedian who was born in the town.
More discoveries, led by Creative Director Tim FitzHigham, who
was recently asked to speak at The International Shakespeare
Conference at the Shakespeare Institute, are expected to be revealed
as the work moves forward.
Vicky Etheridge, Interim Chair of King’s Lynn Town Board said:
“The Guildhall offers a huge opportunity not just for King’s Lynn but
our whole area and the Town Board is pleased to support the
development of the next stage of plans.

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