Cultural charity The Garage Trust has been selected to take on the Carnegie Library building in King’s Lynn.
The announcement follows an application and panel interview process involving representatives from both Norfolk County Council and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk to take over the 120-year-old building when the library moves to its new site.
The Garage Trust plans to work with residents and community members to relocate work from elsewhere in the town to the much-loved building and safeguard its future.
Long-term plans, which will involve the community, will focus on sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Norfolk County Council cabinet member for corporate services and innovation at, Cllr Jane James told councillors the news at a cabinet meeting on Monday (January 27).
She said: “We are pleased to announce that The Garage Trust has been chosen to take on the Carnegie Library building.
“We know that this building is important to many people in the town, so it was equally important that we took the time to find the best custodian. This decision comes after a thorough and competitive application process and The Garage Trust provides an opportunity to continue the cultural legacy of this historic building.
“The trust has a strong track record of making a real impact on the lives of the people they work with and delivering projects just like this.
“We would also like to extend our thanks to all those who participated in the application process.”
Adam Taylor, chief executive of The Garage Trust, said: “We are honoured by this opportunity to take on such a special building as the Carnegie. Our vision is to transform lives through the arts and, as we move our practice from The Workshop in the Vancouver Quarter, we hope to continue the cultural legacy of the Carnegie by continuing to provide meaningful and engaging cultural experiences for the community.
“We look forward to working with the residents of King’s Lynn as we relocate and then co-design and develop the building and site for the benefit of all.”
Work is under way on the new library and community hub at the former Argos building in King’s Lynn town centre.
That project, jointly funded by the Government and Norfolk County Council as part of the King’s Lynn Town Deal regeneration programme, will provide a modern space for learning, employment support, community activities and more. The new library is expected to open later in 2025.
Image: Alienturnedhuman at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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