A crucial stage has been reached in a bid to regenerate Britain’s oldest working theatre.
Major steps have already been taken in the plans to carefully restore medieval St George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn. Now the proposals, which have gone through RIBA Stage 4 design process, and have planning and listed building consent, will go before three separate meeting of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council.
A report will be considered by the council’s regeneration and development panel on July 1, followed by cabinet on July 7 and full council on July 17. If approved, the main works are expected to start this Autumn with the site reopening in 2028.
The transformational Guildhall and Creative Hub project would see the venue, empty buildings and courtyards revived, creating a heritage destination, new food and drink offer, home for creative industries and year-round programme of performances, events and education programmes.
Cllr Simon Ring, deputy council leader and cabinet member for business and culture, said: “The final go-ahead is ultimately a matter for full council, however as cabinet member I see this as a golden opportunity to restore the historic and theatrical assets of this unique space, while helping to grow local businesses, revitalise the town centre, and enhance the leisure and cultural offer in the historic heart of King’s Lynn.
“The vision is for St George’s Guildhall to become an international visitor attraction and a space for the community, with the business case focussed on new jobs, improved facilities, training and education activities, enhancement to green space, new office and substantial uplifts in visitor footfall to the town and wider region.
“Yes the final 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, making the most of this unique opportunity for our borough.
“With the detailed project development work now completed, councillors have all the information needed to make a final decision to enable this game-changing regeneration project to proceed in a timely manner.
“We already have £8.1 million 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.”
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